Guest Speakers

Dr. Shiblak, discussed the issue of statelessness of Palestinians. As a matter of fact, as he said, the Palestinians considered the largest stateless people in the world. Mentioning the impact of statelessness on their life, since nationality is the key to life inside or outside one’s country, which allows “citizens” to enjoy the  services countries deliver.     

Dr. Khalidi talked about the refugees issue as a negotiation topic within a rational political solution. In his view, the appeal for the right of return that happens now, is a legal appeal for the resolution number 194, and not an appeal for the natural and moral right. Therefore, in case of applying this resolution, refugees should return to live peacefully with their Israeli neighbors, and to abide by Israeli law and sovereignty.         

Dr. Khalidi discussed the current Arab revolutions, which represent a new era of the Arab political life, and constituted new possibilities Arabs have not witnessed for a very long time. Led to the overthrown of the dictatorial regimes in Arab countries. 

However, and as Dr. Khalidi emphasized, the most difficult phase is yet to come, with demands of freedom, dignity, social justice, economical prosperity, rule of law, accountability and democracy. 

Mr. Lone talked about the mandate of UNRWA, its methods, principles of operation,  functions and responsibilities as an international organization and a distinct agency working for/Palestinian refugees. He also discussed how UNRWA’s mandate and role promote peace and conflict resolution.  

Ms. Leila Hilal highlighted UNRWA’s advocacy on behalf of refugee rights and the importance of including refugees in the peace-building. She also talked about the UNRWA’s role in the development process of the Palestinian society.

Jabbarin  tackled the overlap between  politics & Law, questioning whether  the politics driven by law, and vice versa, or whether there are specific boundaries or lines in that overlap. He also mentioned that the international law can be used as one of the main weapons in the hands of Palestinian people and its authority, in line with the Palestinian aspirations. Jabbarin at the same time illustrated the anticipated difficulties that might be encountered in case using the international law to attain the rights and objectives of the Palestinian people.