NGO Action News – 02 November 2018

This newsletter informs about recent and upcoming activities of Civil Society Organizations affiliated with the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The Committee and the Division for Palestinian Rights of the UN Secretariat provide the information “as is” without warranty of any kind, and do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in the websites linked in the newsletter.

United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the
Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People 

NGO Action News
02 November 2018

Middle East

• On 1 November, the Palestinian Center for Human rights (PCHR) organized a panel discussion about the bill to amend the NGOs and Charities Law of. The participants agreed that the proposed amendment was in bad test especially the 12 Articles that violate the right to form associations. They argued that the amendment would reinforce the Ministry of Interior’s control over associations and legalize arbitrary practices that currently exist.

• On 31 October, BADIL- Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, submitted its first report on “Illegal and Excessive Use of Force by the Israeli military in Dheisheh Refugee Camp” to the Commission of Inquiry established under United Nations Resolution S-28/1. The submission provides a brief on Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem that regularly experiences Israeli military raids. It also recommends the use of an appropriate international humanitarian and human rights law legal framework to regulate Israeli military conduct. BADIL noted that the regular night raids on Dheisheh Refugee Camp required special attention and should be investigated by the Commission of Inquiry.

• On 28 October, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights issued a statement condemning the escalation of Israeli military action on the Gaza Strip. The statement mentions that from 26 to 29 October, the Israeli Air Force launched 70 missiles, killing three Palestinian children and causing damage to Palestinian infrastructure including a hospital and tens of houses.

• On 26 October, Al-Haq, Al Mezan and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) made a joint submission to the ICC on alleged crimes committed by Israelis, in particular high-level Israeli officials, and individuals associated with corporations that are extracting and destroying Palestinian natural resources. The organizations argued there was reasonable basis to believe that Israelis and private actors committed war crimes of extensive destruction and appropriation of property, as well as pillage.

• On 25 October, B’Tselem condemned the Israeli military blockade imposed to the entrances of Kafr a-Dik, West of Salfit; Azzun, East of Qalqiliyah; and Al-Jalazun Refugee Camp, North of Ramallah in September and October. The roadblocks severely disrupted the residents’ lives and impaired their ability to get to school and receive medical treatment, or simply to maintain a reasonable daily routine. B’Tselem described the action as unlawful and said it constituted a collective punishment.

North America

• On 8 November, the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) will host an event at the United Nations in New York, on the “Future of Palestine Refugees in the Middle East.” The event will focus on highlighting the challenges facing Palestinian refugees also in the context of UNRWA’s funding crisis and the attacks on the Agency. It will also provide an overview of the situation of Palestine refugees in host countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as their conditions inside the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

• On 1-8 November, the Other Israel Film Festival presents high-quality cinema that inspires conversation and takes an in depth look into Israeli and Palestinian societies and minority populations in Israel. The festival explores human stories and social issues for Israel and its neighbors. Other Israel presents dramatic and documentary films, as well as panels and events about history, culture, and identity. The festival aims to engage the community, deepen its views, challenge its perspectives, and drive it to action.

United Nations

• On 28 November, UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestine People. On 29 November, the Committee in collaboration with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine will launch a photo exhibit entitled: Unrealized Rights, Unfulfilled Promises: 70 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of the Palestinian People’s Nakba” featuring photo and text panels in the Public Lobby of the General Assembly building of the United Nations in New York.