RAMALLAH, April 11, 2025 (WAFA) – Palestine Friday welcomed UNESCO’s adoption of a resolution in favor of the United Nations Agency of Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board unanimously a resolution in favor of UNRWA, namely "Supporting the continuity of UNRWA's educational activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory", during the 221^st session of its Executive Council held in the French capital, Paris.

51 out of 58 member states voted in favor of the resolution, two others abstained, and three others voted against it with two others absent.

The Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry welcomed the adoption of the resolution, stating that the resolution is significant in terms of supporting the UNRWA’s mandate and reinforcing UNRWA-UNESCO cooperation in the long term, particularly the joint values cherished by both organizations which Israel, the occupying power, always seeks to undermine, including concerning the Palestinian refugees’ rights, including their right to education, health care, assistance and social services.

The Ministry voiced profound appreciation to the states that supported the resolution whether by sponsoring or voting in favor of it. It also expressed appreciation to Jordan and all friendly Arab member states for supporting the resolution.

It also extended appreciation to the Mission of Palestine to UNESCO for their tireless efforts in negotiating the successful unanimous adoption of the resolution.

It called on the states that did not support the resolution to revisit their position, join the legal and moral majority of states that supported the work of both UNESCO and UNRWA, and support the rights of the Palestinian people.

It also called on all states and international actors to amplify their voice and stress that there is no alternative to supporting the mandate of and safeguarding UNRWA pending the realization of the inalienable rights of Palestinian refugees and their return in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, including the General Assembly resolution 194 (III).

K.F.