BADIL Resource Center for Residency and Refugee Rights February 2010

Jelazoun camp, 2000 (@Badil) and 1956 (@UNRWA) Scope of Displacement Jelazoun camp, 2000 (@Badil) and 1956 (@UNRWA) Palestinian refugees and IDPs - the largest and longest-standing case of displaced persons in the world today.

Refugees & IDPs worldwide (end 2008; source: Badil, UNHCR) Palestinians 6.6 million refugees 427,000 IDPs 7.1 million displaced Palestinians represent 67% of the entire Palestinian population (10.6 million) worldwide Iraq 4,980 mil. Columbia (IDP) 3,426 mil. Afghanistan 3,372 mil. Congo (DRC) 1,918 mil. Somalia 1,860 mil. Sudan 1,750 mil. Uganda 1,467 mil. Kenya 762,617 Sri Lanka 672,148

5 major periods of Palestinian displacement British Mandate 1922–1947 100,000 – 150,000 The Nakba 1947–1949 750,000 – 900,000 Israeli Military Government 1949–1966 35,000 – 45,000 1967 War 400,000 – 450,000 Israeli Occupation, Colonization, Apartheid 1967-2009 Hundreds of thousands (ongoing)

Only 33% of the Palestinian people have never been displaced Percentage Distribution of the Palestinian Population Worldwide by type of Displacement Only 33% of the Palestinian people have never been displaced

Palestinian Refugees and IDPs by Group* (end 2008) UNRWA registered 1948 Refugees Non- registered 1948 Refugees 1967 Refugees IDPs in Israel since 1948 IDPs in the OPT since 1967 4,671,811 1,014,741 955,247 335,204 128,708 UNHCR has registered 342,681 Palestinian refugees and no IDPs as population of concern *Figures reflect estimates according to the best available sources and population growth projections; they are indicative rather than conclusive.

Percentage Distribution of Palestinian Refugees and IDPs by Group

Ongoing Forced Displacement in the OPT 128,708 Palestinian IDPs from 1967 – 2008 include: Persons displaced during the 1967 war: 10,000 persons, with average annual growth rate of 3.5% until 2005, and 3.0% for 2006-2008 (Source: Nur Masalha 1997; Al Haq 2007; photo: ICRC) Annual average displaced by house demolition: 1,037 each year; not adjusted to annual population growth, because it is unknown how many IDPs have been able to return home) (Source: ICAHD, Badil 2007, photo: Virginia Paradinas)

13,000 individuals: 2,000 households with an average of 6.5 persons Persons whose shelters were totally destroyed during Israel's war on the Gaza Strip at the end of 2008: 13,000 individuals: 2,000 households with an average of 6.5 persons (Source: OCHA 2009; photo: Zoriah) Persons displaced due to harassment by Jewish settlers: At least 1,014 Palestinian housing units in the center of Hebron were vacated by 2007 (average household of 6.1 person and growth rate of 3.0%) (Source: B'Tselem/ACRI May 2007; photo: CPT)

Persons whose residency rights in Jerusalem have been revoked: At least 8,269 Jerusalem IDs revoked since ‘67. Not included are children (under 16) of persons whose resident status was revoked and 4,577 IDs revoked in 2008 but reported at end of 2009. Figure does not account for ID cards that may have been reinstated, due to the lack of information. (Source: PCBS 2008; Hamoked 2009; photo: Maan) Persons displaced by the Wall: 14,364 as of July 2005 with the population growth (3.0 percent) added for 2006-2008 (Source: PCBS 2008; photo: Naji Odeh)

Note: IDPs in OPT include 1948 refugees who have subsequently undergone internal displacement in the OPT: 37,000 (est.) because 1948 refugees constitute 40% of the total Palestinian population in the OPT (PCBS). If displaced refugees are deducted, the estimate of Palestinian IDPs in the OPT amounts to 91,708.

By 2009, 498,000 Palestinians in 92 West Bank communities live in segregated areas, including 263,200 people in 81 communities who are caught in the so- called “closed areas and seam zones.” All of them face the risk of forced displacement. (Source OCHA 2009; B’Tselem 2008)

‘Triggers’ of Contemporary Forced Displacement (Israel and OPT) Excessive & Indiscriminate Use of Force; Deportation; Arbitrary Detention & Torture Home Demolition & Forced Evictions Attacks & Harassment by Non-State Actors Revocation of Residency Rights Closure and Segregation Confiscation & Discriminatory Distribution of Land Settler Implantation & Policy of "Judaization"

(Photo: Badil) Triggers of forced displacement reflect evidence of a widespread and systematic pattern of violating IHL and IHRL for the purpose of consolidating a "Jewish majority" in “Eretz Israel” (Israel and OPT) – i.e. ethnic cleansing.

Photo: Anne Paq This widespread and systematic pattern of IHL & IHRL violations is indicative of a regime combining belligerent occupation, colonization and apartheid.

Photo: Natalie Bardou All displacement of Palestinians is hence forcible displacement and unlawful. Israel is to provide reparations, including return (repatriation), housing and property restitution and compensation.

Recommendations Study and address the root causes of Israel’s ongoing policy of population transfer – its regime of occupation, colonialism and apartheid. Do not render aid or assistance to the unlawful situation created by Israel. Ensure impartial investigation, prosecution and punishment of those responsible.

Recommendations (2) Apply internat’l protection standards to Palestinian refugees and IDPs. Promote rights-based durable solutions & reparations consistent with international law, UN resolutions and best practice. Facilitate refugee & IDP participation in closing protection gaps and crafting durable solutions.