In a statement, the secretary-general showed his concern about the public criticism to a UN agency that deals with 5,300,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.
Besides his support, he praised the work by UNRWA with refugees, to whom it guarantees access to education and other essential services to ensure compliance with their human rights.
According to Guterres, we should not forget that the agency created in 1949 answers to a mandate by the UN General Assembly, an authority that has recognized its contribution.
He also highlighted that UNRWA was operating in the first line of complex conflicts, situations amid which it provides half a million refugee children with education, teaching them tolerance.
Guterres urged the UN member States to continue supporting the agency, which frequently faces difficulties, due to lack of financing.
PL/MNA