Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights Presentation on main findings of Badil Survey on Palestinian Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

Refugee and IDP Population in All Palestinians (10.1 millions) are stateless. 70% of the Palestinian population is either refugee or IDP. In 2007, there are 7 millions Palestinian refugees (6 millions 1948 Palestinian refugees and 1 million 1967 Palestinian refugees). In 2006, there were 450,000 Palestinian IDPs (325,000 IDPs in Israel and 115,000 IDPs in the occupied Palestinian territory).

Ongoing displacement Increased number of IDPs and secondary displacement in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory (OPT). Multiple displacements of Palestinian refugees in host countries, in particular in Lebanon (31,000) and Iraq (15,000+).

Protection gap There is no UN Agency currently providing protection, in particular, searching for durable solutions for Palestinian refugees and IDPs. UN Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) → mandate to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees in its area of operations (OPT, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon). UN Conciliation Commission for Palestine (UNCCP) → mandate to protect Palestinian refugees but Agency no longer active. UNHCR → mandate to protect and assist Palestinian refugees outside UNRWA's area of operations. Not actively searching for durable solutions however.

The way forward: Rights-based solutions There has never been a rights-based approach to negotiations on the Palestinian refugee question. A rights-based approach is crucial to peace, in the case of Palestinian refugees and IDPs, it should involve: Addressing the root-causes of the displacement of Palestinians – namely, Israel’s discriminatory policies which aim to acquire as much Palestinian land with the less Palestinians as possible. Implementing all three durable solutions – voluntary local integration, resettlement and repatriation – based on the individual choice of the refugee or IDP. Implementing the right to reparations of Palestinian refugees and IDPs, in particular property restitution and compensation.

Badil recommendations Support a rights-based solution to the Palestinian refugee and IDP question and to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict in general. Identify which UN Agency has a mandate to search for durable solutions for Palestinian refugees and IDPs. Raise awareness to the rights of Palestinian refugees and IDPs and campaign for a rights- based solution, including through pressure means such as boycott, divestment and sanctions. Allow and call for participation of Palestinian refugees and IDPs in the search for durable solutions.