UNESCO: Joint Nordic Statement at the 8th Special Session of the Executive Board
Joint Nordic Statement
8th special session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, 25 November 2024
Supporting the continuity of UNRWA's educational activities in the occupied Palestinian territory
Delivered by Deputy Permanent Delegate, Ms. Kristín Halla Kristinsdóttir
Madame Chairperson of the Executive Board
Madame President of the General-Conference
Madame Assistant Director-General
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues.
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
The Nordic countries express their deep concern regarding the recent legislative developments in the Knesset that, if implemented, could severely restrict UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Effectively, UNRWA will no longer be able to exercise its core tasks as stipulated by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949.
UNRWA is at present the most centrally placed humanitarian organisation responding to the needs of Palestine refugees in the Middle East. The Agency provides education for over half a million children and adolescents, operating over 700 schools and employing over 20,000 staff. For over 75 years, UNESCO’s technical support and advocacy have been vital in enhancing UNRWA’s capacity to provide equitable education to Palestinian children, reflecting the core values of dignity, resilience, and the universal right to education. Education is not only a fundamental human right, but also a cornerstone for peace, stability, and development.
Before the war, UNRWA provided 300,000 school-age children in Gaza with education. UNRWA is the only entity able to provide education to the school-age children in Gaza when the war ends. The large-scale resumption of education will be vital to Gaza’s recovery and to a future political solution. UNRWA’s education system includes a human rights education programme that follows UN standards and values and aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. Education is crucial in fostering hope, stability, and livelihood opportunities for Palestine refugees, providing them with the knowledge and necessary tools so that they can contribute to the future of their community.
In the midst of an ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza following the deplorable terror attack carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023, a halt to the organisation’s activities may have devastating consequences for the hundreds of thousands of civilians served by UNRWA. The absence of critical services for Palestine refugees in Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, may well further destabilise the situation in these areas, in Israel and in the region as a whole, and may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution.
The Nordic countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law. The latter requires all parties to conflicts to ensure the provision of necessary humanitarian aid and the safety of humanitarian workers. The recent legislation approved by the Knesset may - if implemented - violate Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.
The Nordic countries stand united in their support for UNRWA’s indispensable role in providing humanitarian aid and education. UNESCO must do what it can, to support and safeguard necessary activities, ensuring that all Palestine refugee children have access to inclusive and equitable, quality education, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal Four.
I thank you.