Category: Latest news

11/03/2024

Beirut, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Association Najdeh organised a conference and open dialogue titled “Refugee and More… The Impact of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon.” The event was attended by representatives of popular and local committees in the Tyre area, representatives of Palestinian factions, as well as representatives of educational, social, and health institutions, social activists, and media outlets.

After a welcome address by Ms. Majda Jawad, Coordinator of the Women’s and Girls’ Rights Programme in Shatila, the keynote speech for International Women’s Day was delivered, focusing on “Is it a day to celebrate women’s struggles, or a violation of the right to life for Palestinian women and girls!! Therefore, international institutions, starting with the United Nations, passing through human rights institutions, and ending with women’s and girls’ rights organisations and agencies, are called upon to apply consistent and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls… and to acknowledge the role of women’s struggle throughout historical milestones and their distinctive role.”

Brigitte Chelebian, lawyer and founder and director of the organisation Justice Without Borders, spoke about international laws related to women’s rights. She also referred to the International Criminal Court concerning the Palestinian issue (regarding justice) and the immunity Israel enjoys from armed conflicts and its impact on women, girls, and children. She outlined mechanisms for food rights and highlighted the importance of awareness of these rights, such as personal status law, social security, nationality, and other rights, emphasising the need for women to be aware of these rights.

Mr. Samer Manaa, Director of the Development Centre for the Defence of Palestinian Refugee Rights, discussed the “catastrophic” consequences of halting UNRWA funding and how this would affect the stability of refugees. He stated that UNRWA is not only a provider of services but also a symbol of Palestinian identity and a carrier of that identity. Stopping UNRWA funding scatters the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, who are living in a state of instability and anxiety following the suspension of funding by Western countries.

At the end of the event, the floor was opened for contributions from the audience.

11/03/2024

Nahr al-Bared, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Association Najdeh organised a conference and open dialogue titled “Refugee and More… The Impact of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon.” The event was attended by representatives of popular committees and civil society organisations in the Tyre area, representatives of Palestinian factions, and representatives of educational, social, and health institutions, as well as social activists and media outlets.

After a welcoming address by Ms. Abeer Al-Ayoubi, Coordinator of the Women’s and Girls’ Rights Programme in Nahr al-Bared, Ms. Nawal Al-Hasan, Coordinator of the Nahr al-Bared branch, delivered a speech focusing on “Whether it is a day to celebrate women’s struggles or a violation of the rights of Palestinian women and girls to life!! Therefore, international institutions, starting with the United Nations, passing through human rights institutions, and ending with women’s and girls’ rights organisations and agencies, are called upon to apply consistent and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls… and about the role of women’s struggle at all historical stages and their distinctive role.”

Dr. Aaid Abu Hussein, a member of the administrative body of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Lebanon – Northern Area, spoke about the reduction of UNRWA services and its repercussions on the Palestinian people. He said that stopping funding for UNRWA would lead to many problems, especially health issues for our people, which is a natural right for our people. He also spoke about the multiple health services provided by UNRWA since before childbirth, which are very costly, and also about the services for recovery and others that would be expensive for our people if UNRWA stopped its services.

Ms. Fidaa Aloush, a member of the Lawyers’ Union in Lebanon and the responsible for the activist office of lawyers in the north, talked about UNRWA’s plans to cancel the right of return and to adhere to the conspiratorial deal of the century against our people and our cause, as well as about the concept of neutrality. She defined the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as the legal, institutional, and political witness to the Palestinians’ right to return to their land and homes from which they were displaced.

A gift was then presented to the activist Nawal Al-Hasan from the Labour Rights Programme for her services and sacrifices amidst enthusiastic applause. Finally, some contributions were taken from the audience, and Ms. Nawal Al-Hasan, Coordinator of the Nahr al-Bared branch, was honoured.

11/03/2024

Ain al-Hilweh, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Association Najdeh organised a conference and open dialogue titled “Refugee and More… The Impact of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon.” The event was attended by representatives of popular committees and local organisations in the Tyre area, representatives of Palestinian factions, educational, social, and health institutions, social activists, and media outlets.

After a welcome address by Ms. Amal Al-Saeed, Coordinator of the Women’s and Girls’ Rights Programme in Saida, the keynote speech for International Women’s Day was delivered by Ms. Jihan Awad, Coordinator of the Saida branch. She focused on whether this day is to celebrate women’s struggles or to highlight the violation of the right to life for Palestinian women and girls. She emphasised that international institutions, from the United Nations to human rights organisations and agencies for women’s and girls’ rights, are called to apply consistent and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls, and to recognise the exceptional role of women in all historical stages.

Dr. Mahmoud Suleiman, Medical Director at Al-Nidaa Al-Insani Hospital in Ain al-Hilweh camp, spoke about the potential impact of halting UNRWA funding on Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Dr. Suleiman highlighted the essential health services provided by UNRWA, such as clinic visits, hospital referrals, and monthly medications. He pointed out that the two clinics in the camp serve around 1,000 people daily, including 800 pregnant women who receive pre- and post-natal care from UNRWA, and 2,500 women who receive family planning services. The cessation of UNRWA services would have a profoundly negative impact on Palestinian women.

Dr. Fadi Salama, Administrative Director at Al-Hamshari Hospital in the Saida area, discussed the heroic efforts of medical teams, particularly the contributions of Palestinian women who work as nurses, participate in emergency response teams, and provide basic medical awareness. He noted that the efforts to dismantle UNRWA are not new, with the United States and Israel seeking to eliminate the Palestinian refugee issue.

Ms. Amal Al-Shehabi, Head of Social Work in Lebanon, spoke about the historical role of Palestinian women since the Nakba of 1948 and the current situation of Palestinian women, particularly in Gaza. She highlighted the severe conditions they face, including killings, abuse, and harassment by occupation forces. Amal pointed out the psychological distress experienced by women in Gaza due to the war, especially the hardships faced by pregnant women who give birth in shelters without anaesthesia, which has severe psychological repercussions.

Ms. Amal called on women’s rights organisations to work diligently to support Palestinian women in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire, the release of detainees, and the delivery of aid without restrictions. At the end of the event, the floor was opened for audience contributions, where the necessity and importance of continuing UNRWA services were strongly affirmed.

07/03/2024

Just days before International Women’s Day, several UN experts, who are part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, the highest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, expressed concern over the blatant human rights violations faced by Palestinian women and girls in Gaza and the West Bank. The report highlighted violations such as arbitrary executions, often with family members including children, the arbitrary detention of hundreds of Palestinian women and girls, including human rights defenders, journalists, and humanitarian workers, inhumane and degrading treatment, denial of menstrual hygiene products, food and medicine, severe beatings, and detention in cages under rain and cold without food. It also mentioned multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped and searched by male Israeli soldiers, threats of rape, and the humiliating photographing and online dissemination of images of detainees by Israeli soldiers.

Simultaneously, sixteen countries have suspended or stopped funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the largest provider of services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in health and education. This funding suspension means that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and other UNRWA operational areas are deprived of access to education and healthcare services, which constitutes a severe violation of the right to a dignified life for Palestinian women and girls. It also threatens the human and social security of millions of families, potentially increasing domestic violence and gender-based violence, changing social roles, and placing additional burdens on women and girls. Host countries cannot bear the burden of providing services to Palestinian refugees amid economic crises and conflicts, further threatening social peace and security.

Therefore, international institutions, from the United Nations to human rights organisations and agencies for women’s and girls’ rights, are called upon to apply consistent and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls. These institutions should hold accountable the states and entities, particularly Israel and those that have ceased funding UNRWA, for their continuous violations of the rights of Palestinian women and girls. They should also resume support for UNRWA, freeze cooperation agreements, halt arms supply to Israel, and enforce international legal decisions ensuring the right to life and self-determination for the Palestinian people and women. This includes their right to return to their homes and properties from which they were displaced in 1948, according to Resolution 194, and their right to full citizenship in an independent Palestinian state on the territories occupied in June 1967, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Refugee and More: The Impact of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon

7/03/2024

Al-Bass – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Association Najdeh organised a conference and open discussion titled “Refugee and More: The Implications of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon.” The event was attended by representatives of popular and local committees in the Tyre region, Palestinian factions, educational, social, and health institutions, social activists, and media outlets.

Mrs. Hiba Hajaj, the Coordinator of the Women and Girls’ Rights Programme – Tyre, welcomed the attendees. Following this, Mrs. Hala Marai, the Coordinator of the Tyre Branch, delivered a speech for Women’s Day. She emphasised, “Is this a day to celebrate the struggles of women, or is it a violation of the right to life for Palestinian women and girls? Therefore, international institutions, from the United Nations to human rights organisations and agencies for women’s and girls’ rights, are called upon to apply uniform and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls… and to acknowledge the significant role of women in every historical struggle and their distinctive contributions.”

Mrs. Sanaa Qasem, a member of the General Assembly in the Al-Houla Association, spoke about the overall situation of Palestinian women, particularly in Gaza, highlighting the difficult conditions they endure and the hardships faced by women in the diaspora. She also addressed the psychological impact of war on women in Gaza, urging women’s rights organisations to extend genuine support to Palestinian women in Gaza and the diaspora, as women are the mothers who raise future generations. Sanaa highlighted the severe challenges faced by pregnant women in Gaza, including the lack of anaesthesia during childbirth, which has profound psychological repercussions.

Dr. Khalil Nassar, Secretary of the Popular Committees in the Tyre region, discussed the difficult circumstances faced by refugees and the decisions made by UNRWA that do not serve the Palestinian people in the diaspora. He added, “As popular committees, we are continuously active in advocating for UNRWA, as it is the sole witness to the Palestinian Nakba.” He spoke about the potential impacts if UNRWA were to cease its services and the consequences for Palestinian women.

Mr. Mohammad Moussa, a respected educator, addressed the harsh realities faced by Palestinian women and Arab women in general. He spoke about the struggle of Palestinian women alongside men and called for increased financial support to ensure the continuation of UNRWA’s operations in refugee settings. Moussa concluded his speech by emphasising the need to activate all Palestinian frameworks to support the continuation of UNRWA’s medical, educational, and other services. At the end of the meeting, some interventions and discussions were taken from the attendees.

07/03/2024

Beddawi – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Association Najdeh organised a conference and open discussion titled “Refugee and More: The Implications of International Decisions on Refugee Women in Lebanon.” The event was attended by popular committees in the camp, women’s unions, representatives of educational, social, and health institutions, scouting organisations, sports clubs, social activists, and media outlets.

After a welcome address by Mrs. Hanaa Al-Aynain, the Beddawi Branch Coordinator, a keynote speech was delivered in honour of Women’s Day. The speech emphasised, “Is this a day to celebrate the struggles of women, or is it a violation of the right to life for Palestinian women and girls? Therefore, international institutions, starting from the United Nations, through human rights organisations, and ending with women’s and girls’ rights agencies, are called upon to apply uniform and non-discriminatory standards to Palestinian women and girls… and to recognise the significant role of women in every historical struggle and their distinctive contributions.”

Lawyer Maysa Shander, the Executive President of the MASIR Organisation, spoke about the rights of women and girls, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls, and the abolition of all forms of discrimination. She also discussed Resolution 1325 on peace and security, in addition to the concept of equality and the elimination of discrimination.

Mr. Mohammad Tawieh, the Legal Coordination Officer in the Northern Region Protection Unit – UNRWA, spoke about personal status laws, the process of birth registration, custody and alimony laws, and the issues and procedures that hinder registration and increase fees in Sharia courts, as well as early marriage. There were several interventions and discussions to clarify various concepts.

20/02/2024

With the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our campaigns. We are delighted to announce the launch of our Ramadan campaign, “From You to Them,” by the Social Affairs Programme at Association Najdeh. This campaign aims to bolster the resilience of refugee families in Palestinian camps and gatherings in Lebanon. We invite you to participate in our “From You to Them” campaign through your contributions and donations.

To get involved, please contact Mrs. Yousra Al-Jarad, Head of the Social Affairs Programme, or visit our association branches, or use the following account numbers:

Thank you for your generosity and support.

08/02/2024

Beirut: Associations, NGOs, civil society networks, and groups of activists organised a march under the title “Confronting Genocide-Supporting States! No to Israel’s Plan Against UNRWA”. The march began in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in Hamra and proceeded to the British Embassy and the EU Mission in Zokak al-Blat. Waving Palestinian flags and supportive slogans alongside South African flags, participants chanted in anger, condemning the genocide in Gaza, saluting its martyrs, and rejecting silence and neutrality in the face of direct international complicity with Israel in the “genocide in Gaza and the rest of Palestine for almost four months.” They aimed to pressure the colonial states supporting the genocide in Gaza and aggression against Lebanon and the region, and to reject the ICRC’s acceptance of Israeli directives and the failure to protect our people in Gaza. The protestors also condemned the official Arab complicity and called for the translation of popular will into practical measures to stop the genocide and aggression.

According to a statement read by the demonstrators before the march began:

Confronting States and International Institutions Supporting Genocide in Gaza!

The United States, Britain, the European Union, and other Western countries have blatantly revealed their intersecting interests and ongoing colonial values, which are rooted in committing genocides against indigenous peoples, aligning with the interests and values of the colonial and racist Israeli occupation state. While these countries have not reassessed their colonial pasts, they continue not only to provide material and logistical support but also to directly participate in the ongoing genocide in Gaza for four months, and against the Palestinian people for 75 years, as a continuation of the Nakba of 1948, and the ongoing aggression against Lebanon and the region. These states have also ceased funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the largest provider of humanitarian needs in Gaza during the genocide, and for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the region, under the pretext of its lack of neutrality. This came a day after the International Court of Justice’s rulings, which included in its fourth clause the responsibility of the occupation to introduce humanitarian aid to prevent starvation.

These states, through their direct political and financial influence, have pressured the Red Cross in Gaza to continue complying with Israeli orders, standing idly by in the face of genocide. The ICRC evacuated northern Gaza immediately after 7 October, leaving people without medical support, failing to protect medical facilities and civilians. This encouraged Israel to escalate its genocide and attempt to eradicate our people from northern Gaza. They ignored the pleas of doctors and the Ministry of Health to save premature babies, directly contributing to their deaths. The ICRC did not publicly condemn the genocide or the prevention of visits to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. While it previously made more than six public statements condemning Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law, it did not intervene to save lives under the rubble, leading to thousands of deaths, including Red Cross staff. Conversely, it showed significant concern for Israeli prisoners of war, indicating its lack of neutrality and double standards.

The ICRC is demanded to:

• Return to northern Gaza and all areas of Gaza.
• Fulfil its usual duties during wars, protecting health facilities and civilians under occupation.
• Open an international investigation into the ICRC’s performance during the genocide in Gaza, scrutinise its neutrality, and its complicity with Israeli policies and their allies.
• Change its management in Geneva and ensure its independence and neutrality from states and their funding, being globally independent and not affiliated with centres in the North allied with Israel.
• Develop a binding and transparent international mechanism for immediate investigation through the International Court of Justice in case of attacks on the Red Cross in any war.

We call on Lebanon and Arab countries, each according to their position, to take serious practical steps and measures to pressure for an end to the war and genocide in Gaza, which also involves stopping it in Lebanon and the region, withdrawing ambassadors, declaring disengagement from normalisation, and confronting complicit Western states to pressure their ally, Israel. We also demand serious work and intervention to lift the siege on Gaza (and Palestinian refugees in general), confront attempts to subjugate UNRWA to the demands of the Zionist entity, remove colonial occupation forces from the region, and use all available means, particularly oil, gas, and the economy, to revoke the licenses of companies and institutions supporting Israel, and leverage the strategic location to refuse the passage of any goods to the Israeli occupation state, closing all maritime, aerial, and land routes to it.

Finally, we salute all the roaring popular voices in the region and the world, which continue their weekly marches and activities to pressure their states, primarily the United States and the European Union, to stop the genocide in Gaza. This international solidarity is a cornerstone of the resistance against global colonialism.

While Palestinian resistance remains the primary force against the Israeli coloniser, it must be supported by surrounding resistances and by crystallising popular wills for liberation in the region. When these are not repressed and translated into interconnected practical steps, they can deter Israeli massacres and genocide.

Long live a free Arab Palestine.

With the increasing ferocity of the Israeli/American war on UNRWA, at the height of the genocidal war on Gaza, a number of civil society organizations working among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon have come together to deliberate on the role of civil society in confronting this extended attack on the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their homes and properties from which they were displaced in accordance with Resolution 194, by targeting UNRWA, and insisting on dismantling it by reducing its services and searching for alternatives.

The meeting unanimously agreed on the following:

First: The decision to suspend aid to UNRWA by the United States of America and some Western countries who submit to US policy was accompanied by the continuation of Israel›s attempts to liquidate the Palestinian refugee issue, and by the continuation of its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip. It was also immediately preceded by the preliminary decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which ruled in its fourth article to ensure the provision of urgent services and humanitarian assistance to the population of the Gaza Strip. This is a clear, flagrant and immoral violation of the ICJ’s decision and the duties of those countries, based on the principles of international law and the human rights system, since UNRWA is the primary competent entity to provide services and prevent the deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Second: The decision to suspend UNRWA funding was consistent with Israel›s stated plans and intentions to exclude UNRWA completely from the so-called «next day» post-war arrangements, which are based on the following phases: filing a legal case against UNRWA, searching for an alternative, and then working to transfer UNRWA’s mandate to another international body. The devastating effects of the decision to suspend services will have catastrophic repercussions, first and foremost, on the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and on the general Palestinian refugee population in UNRWA›s areas of operation, especially in Lebanon, where Palestinian refugees are suffering from the repercussions of the protracted multi-year socio-economic crisis in the country.

For this reason, civil society organizations in Lebanon emphasize the following:

• The suspension of UNRWA funding violates the decision of the International Court of Justice and amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
• Calls on donor countries that have suspended their funding for UNRWA to retract their decision and to fulfill their obligations towards the Agency and towards Palestinian refugees.
• Affirms its rejection of the transfer of all or some of the functions and powers of UNRWA to any other international or local institution, and affirms its adherence to the Agency and its mandate as stipulated in the resolution establishing UNRWA at the United Nations General Assembly.
• Announces the preparation for a local, regional and international advocacy campaign to uphold UNRWA and the Palestinian refugee cause, which will be launched and announced at the earliest time possible.

Palestinian NGOs in Lebanon

Beirut, 8 / 2 / 2024