UN-Habitat to set up special programme in OPT – UN-Habitat press release

UN-HABITAT to set up special programme in occupied Palestinian territories 

May 9, 2003:  In an unprecedented move, governments at the 19th Session of the Governing Council adopted a resolution calling on UN-HABITAT to establish a special Human Settlements Programme in the occupied Palestinian territories. The programme seeks to address the difficult housing situation in the occupied territories by improving shelter and basic urban services. The resolution urges the international donor community to support UN-HABITAT in the immediate mobilisation of financial resources for a Technical Cooperation Trust Fund of US$5 million for an initial period of two years.

The resolution represents recognition by all parties of the urgent need to resolve the long term deterioration in human settlements conditions in the occupied territories. It was based on recommendations made in The Report of the Executive Director on the Housing Situation in occupied Palestinian Territories. The report was commissioned by the Governing Council at its 18th Session in 2001.

This resolution marks an important precedent for UN-HABITAT which until now has never undertaken programmes in the occupied Palestinian Territories. It was the result of successful negotiations among the different parties facilitated by the Secretariat of UN-HABITAT at the request of representatives of the Palestinians and the Israelis. Unlike previous resolutions about the occupied territories, this resolution was passed by consensus and did not need to be put to the vote.

"The passing of this resolution signals a sense of optimism especially as shelter and human settlements are key elements in reaching long-term sustainable peace in the Middle East," said Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT.