New humanitarian organisation being formed

Steps are being taken to establish a new organisation, Partners for Peace and Development for Palestinians (PPDP), as a direct result of a conference held in London in October by the British charity Interpal, which provides relief and development for the poor and needy of Palestine.

 

A resolution passed unanimously by the conference agreed to set up the PPDP to “Co-ordinate and consolidate, as far as possible, aid and relief efforts for the Palestinian people.” PPDP would work with international development assistance organisations, and non-governmental and charitable organisations involved in the region, to target aid and development more effectively and present a united front as the Palestinian humanitarian situation comes under increased pressure.

 

The PPDP will “bring to the attention of the general public in western countries the oppressive measures pursued by the occupying power which prevent contact and communication between Palestinian communities and consequently add to the humanitarian crisis.” It will also seek to share information quickly on situations requiring rapid response, and combine lobbying and communications efforts to effect rapid and re-active results.

 

A steering committee is now being formed which will guide the PPDP over the next few months. The intention is to involve as many individuals and charitable organisations form as many countries as possible.

 

Over 130 delegates attended Interpal’s October conference – “Confronting the Continuing Palestinian Humanitarian Crisis” – drawn from a range of interested parties, including invited representatives from official agencies, international NGOs, trusts and foundations, academics and researchers and members of the legal profession. Four British Members of Parliament spoke forcefully about the current situation. Distinguished speakers included Sheikh Ekrima Sa’eed Sabri, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Professor Manuel Hassassian, Palestine General Delegate to the UK and Ireland, and Dr As’ad Abdul Rahman, the Palestinian Authority’s Minister for the Diaspora. Lord Nazir Ahmed gave a keynote address at the conference dinner.

 

The need to work more closely together in consultation, co-ordination and co-operative action was a key conclusion of the conference as was the need for pressure to be exerted to secure minimal human rights and dignity for Palestinians.

 

A fundamental message taken away from the conference was that there can be no effective humanitarian relief for Palestinians until occupation ends and basic human rights are restored.