The below reports are prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and are presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at its bi-annual meeting.
The reports provide an assessment of the efforts of the Palestinian Government toward state-building and an update on the situation on the ground.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
- Statements by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
Statement by UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and Development Activities, Robert Piper, and UNFPA Representative, Anders Thomsen, on the occasion of International Youth Day
On 12 August 2017, the United Nations (UN) in Palestine celebrates International Youth Day and this year’s theme on “Youth Building Peace”. In 2015, the UN adopted the first Security Council resolution (UNSCR) on youth; UNSCR 2250 advocates for youth’s active role as ambassadors for conflict prevention and social justice.
In Palestine, youth are gradually climbing the ladder towards decision and policy making processes. Youth (aged 15-29) comprise 30% of the total Palestinian population, however they remain a largely disempowered group many of whom lack certain rights and access to economic opportunities and quality education.
With the right support, youth’s position in the current socioeconomic dynamic within the Palestinian community can shift to a vital and vibrant role in the process of shaping peace in Palestine. “I believe youth are true agents and ambassadors for establishing and supporting solid and positive grounds for peace” says Mr. Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Representative. “Peacebuilding can be a long and difficult process. Nevertheless, if the right agents are recruited to build peace, the process will be nourished immensely” he continued.
A recent UNFPA Study: Palestine 2030 indicated that the population of youth in Palestine will double by 2050. This can be an opportunity to equip and empower youth to pave the road for peace.
However, only 40% of youth indicated their interest to participate in democratic electoral processes according to a recent survey by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, suggesting a relatively high sense of disenfranchisement.
“Integration is a key word for youth, so let’s help integrate them in the socioeconomic and political spheres of Palestinian life through civic engagement, partnership and awareness” said Mr. Piper, the UN’s Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and Development Activities on the occasion of International Youth Day.
ENDS
- MINUSMA HEBDO 2017 [revise]