Bethlehem/PNN/
The Refugee Affairs Department, in collaboration with the Popular Committee for Services in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem Governorate, has launched the Aida Camp Improvement Forum as part of the PALCIP2 project to enhance refugee camps. The project follows a comprehensive participatory approach.
The goal of the forum is to develop plans, vision, and strategies that can be implemented over the next ten years. It aims to improve living conditions for refugees in Aida Camp, providing a better future for children and enhancing their resilience to pursue national goals, particularly the right of return.
During the event, Saed Al-Azza, the head of the Popular Committee for Services in Aida Camp, emphasized the important role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in executing the project, given its responsibility and status in the camps.
He highlighted that Aida Camp faces challenging living conditions, including high unemployment rates and deteriorating facilities, as UNRWA has reduced its services by 85%.
Shatha Al-Azza, the coordinator of the Refugee Camp Improvement Project, thanked the Japanese government and people for their support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She also expressed gratitude to the Refugee Affairs Department, represented by Dr. Ahmad Abu Holi, for their pioneering and national efforts.
Mohammed Al-Jaafari, the General Director of Public Affairs in Bethlehem Governorate, conveyed the governor's greetings and emphasized the project's significance for the Palestinian government. He stressed the importance of distributing such projects across various camps.
Representatives from the Refugee Affairs Department and JICA provided an explanation of the forum's purpose, emphasizing its inclusive representation of all sectors within the camp.
Kanaan Al-Jamal, responsible for the UNRWA file at the Refugee Affairs Department, discussed the project's concept and different stages, highlighting positive outcomes during its implementation. He reaffirmed that UNRWA holds the responsibility and jurisdiction in the camps, and any part of the project that falls within UNRWA's domain will be transferred to the agency.
He acknowledged UNRWA's existing projects and programs, stating that the forum's initiatives may be within UNRWA's purview and will be accordingly handed over to the agency.
Al-Jamal emphasized that Palestinians seek to develop and improve their lives in the camps, not merely to enhance their living conditions, but also to strengthen their resilience and endurance to continue their struggle for their legitimate national goals of returning to their ancestral lands and establishing an independent state. Until these goals are achieved, they insist on the continued presence of UNRWA as a witness to their plight.
Hussam Masleh, JICA project coordinator in the southern region and Director of the Monitoring Department at the Refugee Affairs Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization, spoke about the inclusive and participatory nature of launching the forum. The objective is to improve life in the camps by creating a strategic plan that involves all refugees from various sectors, aiming for developmental strategies over the next ten years.
He highlighted that the forum in Aida Camp represents nine categories of refugees, allowing them to express their needs and opinions, ensuring that every citizen and child has the right to be part of the strategic plans. These plans will be presented to Arab and international donors to enhance the conditions in the camps and strengthen their resilience towards achieving national goals.
The discussion between JICA representatives and the Refugee Affairs Department was open, addressing various questions raised by forum members. Their contributions covered the project's objectives and the best ways to ensure its success by engaging as many camp residents as possible.
