Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Lama Ouda, 14; Fadi Ali, 13; and Jenan Youssef Abu Younis, 14, discussed the current living situation in Palestine during a symposium at the United Nations University on October 3.

The three refugee teens are visiting Japan at the invitation of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and will be accompanied by Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini.

Ouda, Ali, and Abu Younis attend a UNRWA-run school. Their trip is occasioned by the 70th anniversary of Japan’s partnership with UNRWA. 

The symposium was directed by Kaoru Nemoto, Director of UN Information Center in Tokyo. 

日本が国連パレスチナ難民救済事業機関 @UNRWA を通しパレスチナ難民支援を開始して70年。記念シンポで国連広報センター @KaoruNemoto 所長が司会を務めました。

「私たちには夢がある」ガザから来日中の3人の中学生の英語での力強いスピーチ。現地の状況や、日本の関わりについても議論されました。 pic.twitter.com/JnTBtqaCNk

— 国連広報センター (@UNIC_Tokyo) October 4, 2023

Additionally, the students and Lazzarini had a meeting with Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on October 2. Kamikawa shared that the Japanese government will continue to work closely with the UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees. 

The students will also visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and discuss peace with high school students on Oct. 6. 

Yoichi Nakashima, Representative of Japan to Palestine, gave a comment about the students visiting Japan saying “Japan is always proud to be the source of inspiration for many Palestinians. Three students can convey Japanese people on the life of Palestinian refugees in Gaza and how Japan’s assistance contributes to their welfare.”

“At the same time, the Gazan youths will learn on the many hints of war and peace during the visit. I am looking forward to seeing them after returning from this visit,” he added. 

At @UNU_Japan, we hosted an open dialogue with experts and our three students from Gaza to discuss issues concerning #PalestineRefugees

Thank you for commemorating 70 years of partnership of Japan and @UNRWA 🇯🇵#UNRWATHXJapan #UNRWAWorks pic.twitter.com/UZ0NWAaBuX

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) October 3, 2023