18 February 2025
From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)
Children and young people in East Jerusalem denied of their right to education in UNRWA schools.
Today, Israeli Forces and personnel from the Jerusalem Municipality have forcefully entered the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre and ordered its immediate evacuation.
At least 350 students and 30 staff were present and impacted. Tear gas and sound bombs were fired.
Also, this morning, Israeli police officers, accompanied by staff from the Jerusalem Municipality went to UNRWA schools ordering their closure.
Today’s incidents have impacted 250 children in three UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, +350 trainees in the Kalandia Training Centre, a large United Nations compound.
This is a violation of the basic right to education as well as of United Nations privileges and immunities.
Children’s access to education must be preserved and United Nations facilities must be protected and respected at all times wherever they are.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Assistance, Children, Education and culture, Jerusalem, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 18/02/2025
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/children-and-young-people-east-jerusalem-denied-their-right-education