{"id":253610,"date":"2021-05-28T13:41:26","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T17:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?p=253610"},"modified":"2021-06-03T13:48:14","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T17:48:14","slug":"ngo-action-news-28-may-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/ngo-action-news-28-may-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"NGO Action News &#8211; 28 May 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-background-position:left top;--awb-border-sizes-top:0px;--awb-border-sizes-bottom:0px;--awb-border-sizes-left:0px;--awb-border-sizes-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:20px;--awb-padding-bottom:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last fusion-column-no-min-height\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:-60px;\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\"><h1 class=\"main-title blue\">Civil Society and the <span class=\"secondline\">Question of Palestine<\/span><\/h1><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last fusion-column-no-min-height\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-alert alert custom alert-custom fusion-alert-center notice fusion-alert-capitalize awb-alert-native-link-color alert-dismissable awb-alert-close-boxed alert-shadow\" style=\"--awb-background-color:#edf2fc;--awb-accent-color:#a0a0a0;--awb-border-size:1px;--awb-border-top-left-radius:0px;--awb-border-top-right-radius:0px;--awb-border-bottom-left-radius:0px;--awb-border-bottom-right-radius:0px;\" role=\"alert\"><div class=\"fusion-alert-content-wrapper\"><span class=\"alert-icon\"><i class=\" fa fa-exclamation-circle\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-alert-content\">This page may contain links to third-party Web sites. The linked sites are not under the control of the United Nations and the United Nations is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. The United Nations provides these links only as a convenience, and the inclusion of a link or reference does not imply endorsement of the linked site by the United Nations. This newsletter is a project of the Division for Palestinian Rights, and is intended to provide information on NGO activities relevant to the question of Palestine . NGOs interested in contributing information on their activities should communicate it by email.The Division reserves the right to make the final selection with regard to material to be included in this newsletter. It cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of the information.<\/span><\/div><button style=\"color:#a0a0a0;border-color:#a0a0a0;\" type=\"button\" class=\"close toggle-alert\" data-dismiss=\"alert\" aria-label=\"Close\">&times;<\/button><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><strong>28 May 2021<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Middle East<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On 28 May, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.badil.org\/en\/publication\/press-releases\/93-2021\/5148-pr-en-280521-13.html\">BADIL and the Global Palestinian Refugee Network (GPRN)<\/a> issued a press release applauding the motion of the Parliament of Ireland to declare Israel\u2019s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) as a <em>de facto<\/em> The organisations called this \u201ca step towards ending Israeli impunity\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 27 May, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pchrgaza.org\/en\/pchr-welcomes-the-un-human-rights-councils-decision-to-establish-an-independent-commission-of-inquiry-to-investigate-international-law-violations-committed-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territo\/\">Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/cihrs.org\/cihrs-welcomes-adoption-of-historic-resolution-establishing-a-coi-addressing-the-palestinian-people-on-both-sides-of-the-green-line-during-30th-hrc-special-session\/?lang=en\">Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies<\/a> welcomed the decision of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to establish an ongoing independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021, and all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 22 May, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mezan.org\/en\/post\/23993\/Cessation+of+Israel%E2%80%99s+Latest+Full-Scale+Military+Operation+on+Gaza%3A+Closure+must+now+be+Lifted+and+War+Criminals+Held+Accountable\">Al Mezan Center For Human Rights<\/a> issued the press release \u201cCessation of Israel\u2019s Latest Full-Scale Military Operation on Gaza: Closure must now be Lifted and War Criminals Held Accountable\u201d calling on the international community to put pressure on Israel to provide unhindered access to Gaza and to support the UNHRC in setting up a commission of inquiry into potential crimes committed during the latest violence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>Europe <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On 21 May, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eccpalestine.org\/inter-parliamentary-task-force-meets-to-discuss-a-coordinated-response-to-promote-palestinian-human-rights\/\">European Coordination of Committee and Associations for Palestine (ECCP)<\/a> informed about the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Promote Palestinian Human Rights \u2013 composed of 23 legislators from 10 countries in Europe and North America. After the meeting, the group issued a statement urging the international community to \u201cacknowledge the reality of the oppression that Palestinians are subjected to across historic Palestine and in exile\u201d and take action against Israel\u2019s actions in the OPT including by holding it accountable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>North America<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On 21 May, <a href=\"https:\/\/jstreet.org\/press-releases\/welcoming-ceasefire-j-street-urges-fundamental-reset-of-us-policy-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence-end-the-occupation\/#.YLDrgKhKiUm\">J Street<\/a> announced that it will \u201cpress the Biden Administration and Congress to pursue a fundamental reset of US policy, centering on ending the occupation and securing a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.\u201d For J Street, such a reset would need to include a reversal of steps taken by the previous US administration (e.g. re-opening the US consulate in Jerusalem; a commitment to re-opening the PLO mission in Washington and making it clear that the US considers settlement expansion to be illegal under international law); a push for an easing and ultimate end to the closure of Gaza; the imposition of clear transparency requirements and restrictions on the use of US assistance to Israel to ensure that US-sourced military equipment \u2013 including equipment bought with US aid \u2013 cannot be used by Israel in connection with any acts of creeping annexation or violations of Palestinian rights; and a stop to blocking legitimate, balanced critiques of Israeli actions at the United Nations Security Council and other relevant international bodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>United Nations<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>On 27 May, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/EN\/HRBodies\/HRC\/Pages\/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=27119&amp;LangID=E\">UN Human Rights Council<\/a> adopted a resolution on ensuring respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, in which it established an international commission of inquiry to investigate violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021, and all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions. The resolution was adopted at the end of a one-day special session of the Human Rights Council on the \u201cgrave human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 27 May, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsco.unmissions.org\/security-council-briefing-situation-middle-east-including-palestinian-question-delivered-un-6\">UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process Tor Wennesland<\/a> briefed the Security Council about the situation in the Middle east including the Palestinian question, emphasizing that \u201c[t]hese recent events have made clear once again the costs of perpetual conflict and lost hope.\u201d He stressed the need for the sides to return to the negotiating table, though warning against a \u201cbusiness as usual\u201d approach. \u201cAt the end, it is the lack of the proverbial &#8216;light at the end of the tunnel&#8217; &#8211; of a political horizon \u2013 after decades of conflict, that kills hope and provides space for those not interested in sustainable peace. \u201d, he said. \u201cOnly through negotiations that end the occupation and create a viable two-State solution, on the basis of UN resolutions, international law and mutual agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, can we hope to bring a definitive end to these senseless and costly cycles of violence.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 27 May, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ochaopt.org\/content\/united-nations-and-ngos-launch-humanitarian-plan-support-palestinians-affected-recent\">UN Humanitarian Coordinator of the occupied Palestinian territory, Lynn Hastings<\/a>, launched an emergency plan to support people affected by the latest escalation and violence in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Along with UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres and Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock, Ms Hastings called on all Member States to contribute generously towards the US$95 million plan, to allow for a swift and full implementation over the next three months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 27 May, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/commissioner-general-statement-united-nations-security-council\">UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini<\/a>, in his briefing to the Security Council, highlighted that until there is a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, only a strong UNRWA can bring \u201ca sense of normality\u201d into the lives of Palestinians. He underscored the need for reliable and sufficient funding for the Agency\u2019s work in delivering essential services, such as education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>On 20 May, the Chair of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/statement-by-chair-of-the-palestinian-rights-committee-at-the-ga-joint-debate-on-the-question-of-palestine-and-the-situation-in-the-middle-east\/\">UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People<\/a> delivered a statement at the General Assembly Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East and Palestine, in which he highlighted that the consequences of the most recent violent confrontation could be dangerous for Israelis and Palestinians as well as for the region. He called for \u201cdelivery of much needed medical and humanitarian aid to the affected people in Gaza\u201d and urged international support for UNRWA and other UN agencies. In addition to holding accountable those parties \u201cwho fail to respect international humanitarian law \u2013 including the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution\u201d concrete and immediate action would also need to be taken to revive the stalled peace process because \u201c[t]he cycles of Israeli-Palestinian violence can only stop with a just political resolution of the conflict addressing all final status issues including Jerusalem and the plight of the Palestine refugees, with an end to the occupation, and the realization of a two-State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, in accordance with UN resolutions, international law, and mutual agreements.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p><em>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 &#8220;as is&#8221; without warranty of any <\/em>kind,<em> and do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in the websites linked in the newsletter.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":237,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1239,1512],"tags":[],"country":[],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-253610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-ngo-action-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/253610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/237"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=253610"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/253610\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=253610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=253610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=253610"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=253610"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=253610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}