I have the honour to speak on behalf of the 27 Member States of the European Union, the candidate countries including Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, as well as the Principality of Monaco, the Principality of Andorra and San Marino.

1. The right to education is a fundamental human right enshrined in art 3 of the UDHR, helping each child achieve their full potential.  Protecting schools, learners and educational personnel from attack in all circumstances and ensuring the continuity of education during armed conflict and the access of all children and youth to quality education in emergencies remains a priority for the EU, in line with the Safe Schools Declaration and the Fortaleza Declaration.
2. The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. It has worked for nearly 75 years to ensure that Palestine refugee children have access to quality education, its role is crucial.
3. UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. The EU reiterates UNRWA’s crucial role in the humanitarian response to the Palestine refugees in the region, delivering life-saving support to a population facing critical and immense needs. UNRWA also plays a fundamental role in providing education and health services.
4. We are committed to continuing our support to UNESCO and UNRWA, and will closely monitor and evaluate the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report, following the allegations against some UNRWA staff. We look forward to further decisive action by UNRWA, supported by UNESCO, to ensure neutrality in education also with regard to the Colonna report.
5. The EU condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate. 

Thank you