- AHLC & Socioeconomic reports
UN Agencies and the Association of International Development Agencies stand by civil society organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
UN Agencies[1] and the Association of International Development Agencies[2]
stand by civil society organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
The decision on 7 November of the Military Commander in the West Bank to declare by Military Orders the six Palestinian NGOs as unauthorized in the West Bank deepens the concern of the UN Agencies and the Association International Development Agencies (AIDA), working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The decision is a further erosion of civic and humanitarian space and stands to significantly constrain the work of the six organisations which have worked with the international community, including the UN, for decades, providing essential services to countless Palestinians.
“These allegations are taken very seriously. To date, none of the UN agencies nor AIDA organisations have received written documentation which could serve as a basis for the allegations”, said United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the OPT, Lynn Hastings. She added that “we will continue to engage with all relevant partners for more information”.
Counter-terrorism legislation must be in accordance with obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which include full respect for the rights to freedom of association and expression. It cannot be applied to legitimate human rights and humanitarian work; the breadth of the Israeli 2016 Anti-Terrorism legislation and its impact on the presumption of innocence present serious concerns under international law.
With our strong commitment to the indispensable role of civil society in democratic life and in finding peaceful solutions to conflict, many of us work with and some financially support these organizations. Past allegations of misuse of our funds by Palestinian civil society organization partners have not been substantiated. We will continue to stand by international law and civil society organizations that promote international humanitarian law, human rights and democratic values.
Contacts:
AIDA: Joseph Kelly, (972) 54-6703864, director@aidajerusalem.org
UNSCO: Murad Bakri, (972) 54-5627815, bakri1@un.org
[1] encompassing development and humanitarian entities, agencies funds and programs
[2] AIDA represents 83 International NGOs working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator Wennesland on Israeli settlement announcements
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Israeli settlement announcements
Jerusalem, 24 October 2021
“Today, the Israeli authorities announced tenders for the construction of more than 1,300 housing units in the occupied West Bank.
I am deeply concerned by continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, remain a substantial obstacle to peace, and must cease immediately.”
[ENDS]
Statement by Lynn Hastings, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, on the International Day of the Girl
UN calls for gender equality in digital literacy for girls in Palestine
Statement by Lynn Hastings, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, on the International Day of the Girl
Jerusalem, 10 October 2021
Inequality is a global issue, and gender inequities create a significant hurdle for girls trying to reach their innate potential. Palestine is no exception, and many challenges remain to ensure girls are provided equal opportunities to excel.
Gender equity in digital literacy is key to ensuring girls thrive and can be a driver of economic growth and competitive businesses. On the eve of International Day of the Girl, it is important to highlight the enormous potential that exists in Palestine that is currently untapped. According to the recent multiple indicator cluster survey in Palestine (MICS), nearly one in three women with no or basic education have never used the internet, and two out of three women in this category had not used the internet in the three months prior to the survey.
The power and diversity of girls as positive change makers means that investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for girls and women is needed, both in Palestine and globally. Girls and women need to be the designers of learning and other solutions addressing the challenges and opportunities facing their society.
Increasing investments in closing the digital divide – access to devices, connectivity, skills, and safety – and the opening of pathways for girls to reach their full potential is paramount.
On this very important day, International Day of the Girl, I urge all decision-makers to embrace this reality and ensure today’s children, girls in particular, have the tools necessary to be tomorrow’s leaders.