Palestine
Context
In 2018, the political situation in Palestine deteriorated particularly after the many hostile measures taken by the Trump administration towards the occupied territories (the illegal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and cutting off financing to the UNRWA which is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees). The occupation has intensified with random demolition of Palestine villages on the West Bank, the annexing of land and the forced displacement of the Bedouin peoples (case of the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar). Furthermore, United Nations reports appear alarmist in the face of an environmental, economic and political situation that will be insupportable by 2020. The “Great March of Return”, although peaceful, continues to be suppressed by the Israeli army, resulting in more deaths and injuries every month, mainly among young people.
119th out of 190 in the UNDP HDI ranking
65% of the Palestinian population is aged under 25
39% of these young people are unemployed in the West Bank, 60% in Gaza
OUR ACTION
Solsoc works with two partner organisations in Palestine, Ma’an and PAC. They work with young people and women who are employed, unemployed or students, as well as with local organisations and decision-makers in Gaza and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem). These organisations aim to develop spaces for discussion, exchanging ideas and experiences to improve the positioning of young people on the issues that concern them by encouraging their social responsibility and citizen participation. They also facilitate networking and alliances with certain key actors in order to work on the common challenges and reclaim the Palestinian identity. Our partners also raise young people’s awareness of alternative socio-economic models and strengthen their technical abilities to develop social and solidarity economy initiatives.
Solsoc also supports the PGFTU, the main Palestinian trade union, particularly for workers in the stone quarry sector. The programme's aim is to raise awareness and train workers in this sector, especially in measures related to health and safety at work. Furthermore, it also conducts advocacy initiatives to improve compliance with workers’ rights, and the application and even extension of the Labour Code.
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
52
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTED
1,6
MILLION EUROS OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SOLSOC IN 5 YEARS
Testimony
I have worked within the programme since 2016 as a coordinator to the regional Al-Awda centre located in the northern West Bank. Thanks to this job, I have developed project management skills. I have also learned to be adaptable and manage unexpected situations in a very unstable context. I work mainly with young people like myself, they inspire me and enable me to see a better future. I am proud to express myself and bring up the needs of young people. What affects me most in the programme is the spirit in which the projects are conducted with young people, the mark left by these actions.
Our partners
PGFTU (PALESTINIAN GENERAL FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS)
The PGFTU is the main trade union in Palestine. It has over 50 years experience in defending and representing workers. It aims to raise awareness and train workers in this sector. It organises awareness-raising/training workshops on the Labour Code, and occupational health and safety measures, and trains specialists within the PGFTU and in companies. Furthermore, it also conducts political actions to improve compliance with workers’ rights, and the application and even extension of the Labour Code.
