On the Occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People The Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions Organizes a symposium and Calls for the Prosecution of War Criminals
On the Occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
The Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions Organizes a symposium and Calls for the Prosecution of War Criminals
On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29, the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, in collaboration with the Independent Commission for Human Rights, organized an online symposium titled "The Repercussions of Israel’s Ban on UNRWA in the Occupied Palestinian Territories." The event aimed to shed light on the legal, political, and humanitarian consequences of Israel's actions and decisions to ban the operations of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).
Dr. Ammar Dweik, Director-General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights, moderated the seminar which hosted participation from network members, activists, representatives of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, partner organizations, international institutions, and solidarity groups for the Palestinian people.
Speakers included Samar Al-Hajj, Chair of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions; Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the Network; Issam Aruri, Commissioner-General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Palestine; Ben Majekodunmi, Chief of Staff at UNRWA; Ahmad Abu Holi, Head of the Refugee Affairs Department of the PLO; and Amjad Al-Shawa, Director of the Palestinian NGOs Network.
Dr. Ammar Dweik: Emphasized the dire circumstances facing Palestinians, including ongoing genocide in Gaza, forced displacement, and intensifying violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He highlighted Israel's targeting of UNRWA, a critical lifeline for millions of refugees.
Samar Al-Hajj: Warned of the catastrophic humanitarian, political, and economic implications of Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations, stressing that the agency's work is not limited to humanitarian aid but also upholds refugees' political rights, particularly the right of return.
Issam Aruri: Criticized Israel’s defiance of international law and its attempts to undermine UN resolutions. He highlighted Israel's attacks on UNRWA schools and humanitarian workers and its suppression of media and international humanitarian organizations.
Sultan Al-Jamali: Condemned Israel's genocidal actions aimed at erasing the Palestinian cause, particularly by eliminating refugee camps and UNRWA's presence. He called for global efforts to pressure governments to enforce international law and support Palestinians' right to self-determination and return.
Ben Majekodunmi: Stressed UNRWA’s crucial role in providing medical aid amid ongoing attacks and refuted Israel’s accusations aimed at delegitimizing the agency. He called for bold political action to protect UNRWA and Palestinian refugees' rights.
Ahmad Abu Holi: Urged an independent investigation into the killing of UNRWA staff and called on UNRWA to resist eviction from its headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah. He emphasized the need for international visits to highlight the occupation's crimes.
Amjad Al-Shawa: Detailed the destruction of UNRWA facilities, the killing of aid workers, and the worsening humanitarian crisis, with thousands of patients in Gaza dying due to a lack of treatment and evacuation options.
The symposium was concluded with a final statement and recommendations, including intensified advocacy to counter Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations and enhanced legal, financial, and societal support for the agency.
The speakers underscored the importance of UNRWA in upholding Palestinian refugees' rights, maintaining critical services, and representing their hope for return and justice under international law.