Philippe Lazzarini: Children & their education are not featured in any discussions when “experts “ or politicians talk about replacing UNWRA. Why? Because in the absence of a functioning state, there is no alternative.

UNWRA's good works through the years include educating the children of Palestine

 Philippe Lazzarini

@UNLazzarini

Children & their education are not featured in any discussions when “experts “ or politicians talk about replacing UNWRA. 

 

Why? 

 

Because in the absence of a functioning state, there is no alternative. 

 

Until October last year, @UNRWA provided learning to over 300,000 boys & girls in #Gaza, making half of the school children cohort. 

 

They are now losing a second year of education. In the #WestBank, nearly 50,000 children go to our schools. 

 

UNRWA is the only UN agency that directly provides education in UN schools. 

 

Our schools are the only education system in the region that includes a Human Rights programme and that follows United Nations standards and values. 

Dismantling UNRWA in the absence of a viable alternative will deprive Palestinian children of learning in the foreseeable future. 

 

Without learning, children slip into hopelesness, poverty & radicalization. 

 

Without learning, children fall prey into exploitation including joining armed groups. 

 

Without learning, this region will remain unstable & volatile. 

 

Without UNRWA, the fate of millions of people will hang by the thread. 

 

Instead of focusing on banning UNRWA or finding alternatives, the focus should be on reaching an agreement to end this conflict. 

 

This is the only way to prioritize the return to school for hundreds of thousands of children, currently living in the rubble. 

 

It’s time to prioritize children and their future.