Palestinian 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.

By June, two workshops had been held with the participation of fifteen local NGOs: Alternative Information Center (AIC), Center for Applied Research in Jerusalem (ARIJ), Alternative Travel Group (ATG), BADIL, Defense for Children International (DCI-Palestine), Golan for Development, International Association of Palestinian Youth, Jadal Cultural Center, Jerusalem Center for Women (JCW), Rapprochement Center, Sanabel Center for Studies (Hebron), Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center (WIAM), YMCA (East Jerusalem and Beit Sahour), and the YWCA. The workshop series was initiated by the Jerusalem Center for Women and BADIL. Participating NGOs have also engaged in preparations for joint participation at the World Social Forum to be held in Porto Allegre, Brazil, in January 2005.

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