Statement attributable to Yukie Mokuo, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon
25 February 2021, Beirut – “UNICEF is aware of the tough situation that public schools’ contracted teachers are facing with regard to the payment of outstanding salaries. We have been following up, and we sympathize with the teachers.
As informed at a meeting today with representatives of the committee of contracted secondary public-school teachers, UNICEF continues to work closely with partners, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to ensure outstanding payments are settled as soon as possible.
The economic situation and the financial external environment are extremely challenging. UNICEF is advocating for the remaining dues to be paid and we call for the ongoing process to be expedited to the best interest of the teachers and the children.
We acknowledge the teachers’ continued commitment to their students, especially during these challenging times, to help children continue learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that no one is left behind.
UNICEF and the international community are committed to providing all children living in Lebanon with access to education, ensuring the availability of funds to transfer them to national authorities to ensure that every vulnerable child living in Lebanon has access to quality education”.