P.O.Box 440145

Houston, TX 77244

Dear Commissioner Hansen,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern about the situation of UNRWA schools in Lebanon, and my solidarity with the students who are demanding that your agency meet its obligation to them to provide an education.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes education as a fundamental right for every child.  Until the international community is prepared to fight for the refugees' inalienable right to return to their own country, it is up to that community to ensure that their needs are met.

According to media reports, Palestinian refugee children across Lebanon are on strike because there are insufficient places for them at UNRWA schools. In some camps there are no secondary schools at all.

I understand that UNRWA's resources are already overstitched, and I thank you for your efforts on behalf of Palestinian refugees, but the situation in Lebanon is intolerable. It is unconscionable that children who show up ready and eager to learn should find that there are no classrooms for them.

I urge you to give this matter urgent, and special attention, and to ensure that UNRWA's office in Lebanon works cooperatively, creatively and quickly with students and their families to find a solution to the education crisis.

I request that you convey this message of concern and support to UNRWA's donors to underline to them the urgency of the situation.

Sincerely,

Hany Elqutub

Youth and Cultural Council President

United Holy Land Fund

U.S.A.

TEL:  281-650-7415

FAX:  713-266-3808