Campaign UpdatePalestinian NGO Consultation for Promotion of a Rights based Approach to Conflict Resolution
In April 2004, a number of Palestinian NGOs began a series of consultation workshops to increase efficiency of advocacy efforts for a rights-based solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by means of a unified and clear message. Key topics were identified for debate in a series of nine workshops: Refugees and the Right of Return; Two-state vs. One-state Solution;
Palestinian-Israeli Relations; Israel Sanctions and Boycott; Zionism, the Jewish State and the Concept of Apartheid; Occupation, Settlements and the Wall; Resistance, Violence, Terrorism; Jerusalem; and the Future Character of Palestinian Society. Participating NGOs alternate in taking on responsibility for preparing topics, inviting speakers, hosting and reporting.
The first workshop (30 April 2004), presented by
BADIL, provided an overview of scope of Palestinian displacement
and dispossession and refugee rights under international law. The
presentation was followed by debate which focused on the need for
an advocacy strategy based on legal principles, irrespective of the
lack of international support, and on the importance of broad
refugee participation in Palestinian debate, advocacy and policy
making. Participants agreed that although implementation of the
right of return is an individual right de-linked from the question
of political sovereignty, it is difficult to develop a coherent
advocacy strategy without addressing the territorial and political
framework underlying the envisioned solution of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict (one or two states).
The second workshop (31 May 2004), presented by Golan for
Development and AIC/Jadal Cultural Center, focused on the issue of
racism inherent in ethnically based national states like Israel,
the variation in Palestinian priorities according to geographic
location (i.e. – equality: Palestinian citizens of Israel;
self-determination and statehood: 1967 OPT; right of return:
exile), and the evolution of the two-state solution in Palestinian
political thought and program. Subsequent debate focused on the
need for an inclusive Palestinian vision, and a two-pronged
strategy (‘active Sumoud’ or steadfastness) which can protect the
people on the land and challenge Zionism on the ideological level.
Participants agreed that a democratic, one-state framework is a
historical demand of the Palestinian people that was replaced by
the two-state vision only due to external political pressure. It is
a morally and ethically generous offer to Jewish-Israelis and a
strategic substitute for the racist model represented by Zionist
Israel. A two-state solution will not be rejected by Palestinians
if imposed, but cannot provide a durable solution for all, in
particular Palestinian citizens of Israel and refugees.
Participants also agreed that more and broader debate on this topic
must be encouraged among Palestinian civil society
Community Debates/Workshops Between January and June 2004 refugee community organizations, in partnership with BADIL, conducted fourteen workshops across the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Some 900 Palestinians participated. Key topics included non-rights based initiatives (e.g. Geneva Accord) versus requirements for rights-based alternatives, as well as international law and mechanisms for property restitution. The majority of these workshops was conducted in the framework of commemorations of the 56th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. BADIL provided study materials with logistics handled by community organizations. Speakers and moderators were from BADIL (staff, Board, General Assembly) and invited guests from the PLO Refugee Department, the Palestine National Council, the Palestinian Legislative Council and political groups, academics and activists. |