12 JÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµE 2017
SG/SM/18568-PAL2212

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres:

The Secretary-General is concerned about recent public criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA) and the integrity of its operations. ?He wishes to express his support for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA and his admiration for the role it plays in delivering essential services and protecting the rights of millions of Palestine refugees across the Middle East.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA is mandated by the General Assembly, whose members have repeatedly acknowledged the Agency¡¯s unique contribution to peace and security in that region. ?Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA operates in the front lines of difficult conflict situations and provides education for half a million refugee girls and boys, teaching them human rights and tolerance. ?Its education and relief activities contribute critically to stability in the region.

The Secretary-General calls on all Member States to continue their support to the Agency in order for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA to be in a position to fulfil impartially and efficiently its essential role and to implement its humanitarian mandate to serve Palestinian refugees until a just and durable solution to their situation is found.

For information media. Not an official record.