Fact-finding mission to the OPT/Mission head Father Bone – UNESCO Executive Board – Decisions (excerpts)

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5.2.3. Application of 23 C/Resolution 27 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories: Report by the Director-General (126 EX/15 and Add., and 126 EX/43, Part I)

The Executive Board,

1. Recalling the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), in particular Articles 19 and 26 thereof,

2. Reaffirming of all the resolutions and decisions as adopted  by UNESCO  on  the  subject  of  the  occupied  Arab territories,

1. 126 EX/Decisions – page 49

3. Expressing its keen desire to see the inhabitants of the occupied Arab territories enjoy like all other peoples the fundamental right to receive an education appropriate to their needs and their cultural identity,

4. Having examined the report submitted by the Director-General in document 126 EX/15 and Add.,

5. Noting that initial contacts have taken place between UNESCO and the Israeli Government, but regretting that, up to the time the Director-General's report was published,no reply had been received to a succession of communications sent by the Director-General to that government on the subject of events, some of which were tragic and all of which had given cause for concern, with regard to the normal  functioning  of  the  educational  and  cultural institutions,

6. Expresses its deep regret that Father Bone has not yet been able to carry out his mission to the occupied Arab territories and hopes that he will be able to do so as soon as possible, considering that in any case the report should be submitted to the Executive Board at its 127th session;

7. Again requests that the universities be immediately reopened and that the occupying authority respect the Geneva Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which means the revocation of all the measures taken which prevent these institutions from carrying out their normal activities without let or hindrance;

8. Thanks the Director-General for his efforts to enable UNESCO to continue to see to the normal functioning of the educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories and to the implementation of the resolutions and decisions of UNESCO relating to those institutions;

9. Decides to place this question on the agenda of its 127th session.

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