“Putting Rights into Practice” BADIL Action Plan 2008-2010

2008 BADIL Annual Report

Summary of Results and Activity Report BADIL Resource Center was established in January 1998 based on recommendations issued by popular refugee conferences in the occupied and . BADIL is registered with the Palestinian Authority and legally owned by a General Assembly composed of activists in Palestinian national institutions and refugee community organizations. BADIL’s current Board and Oversight Committee were elected by the extraordinary General Assembly convened on 12 June 2008

Cover Photo: The Culture of Return: Keeping Memories and Hopes Alive: Mazaj Alani theater troupe performing at the Right of Return Festival organized by the Doha Children`s Cultural Center, July 2008. © Ma`an

BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights

PO Box 728 , Palestine Tel/fax. 02-2747346 [email protected] www.badil.org General Assembly Board of Directors

Adnan Abelmalik ( RC/Tulkarem) Head: Afif Ghatasha (Social Service Network - Fawwar Adnan Ajarmeh (Aida RC/Bethlehem) camp, ) Afif Ghatashe (Fawwar RC/Hebron) Deputy Head: Tayseer Nasrallah (PNC, Yafa Cultural Ahmad As’ad (Al-Far’ah RC/Toubas) Center; camp, ) Secretary: Dr. Nayef Jarrad (PNC, Popular Committee- Ahmed Muhaisen (Deheisha RC/Bethlehem) Aidoun; Tulkarem) Anwar A. Hamam (Balata RC/Nablus) Treasurer: Wajih Atallah (Union of Youth Activity Centers, Atallah Salem (Deheisha RC/Bethlehem) HQ, Kalanida camp) Ayed Ja’aysah (Al-Far’ah RC/Toubas) Members: Jamal Shati (Palestinian Injured Association; Bassam Abu ‘Aker (Aida RC/Bethlehem) camp); Fayez Arafat (Committee for the Defense of Buthaina Darwish (/USA) Palestinian Refugee Rights, Balata camp); Ayed Ja’aiseh Dr. Abdelfattah Abu Srour (/Bethlehem) (Youth Activity Center – Far’ah camp); Dr. Adnan Shehadeh Dr. Adnan Shehadeh (Arroub RC/Hebron) (lecturer, Hebron Politechnic; Arroub camp); Ghassan Dr. Nayef Jarrad (Tulkarem) Khader (Committee for the Defense of Palestinian Refugee Faisal Salameh (Tulkarem RC/Tulkarem) Rigths, Balata camp) Fayyez H. Arafat (Balata RC/Nablus) Ghassan M. Khader (Balata RC/Nablus) Oversight Committee Haitham Zahran (Deheisha RC/Bethlehem) Faisal Salame (Popular Committee, Tulkarem camp) Hassan Faraj (Deheisha RC/Bethlehem) Anwar Hamam (Yafa Cultural Center, Balata Camp/Nablus) Hussam M. Khader (Balata RC/Nablus) Rifa’ Abu al-Reesh (al-Am’ari camp, Ramallah) Imad Shawish (Al-Far’ah RC/Toubas) Ingrid Jaradat Gassner (Beit Jala) Executive Committee Issa Qaraq’a (Aida RC/Bethlehem) Jamal Shati (Jenin RC/Jenin) Ingrid Jaradat Gassner, director Karine Mac Allister (Bethlehem/Canada) Najwa Darwish, admin-finance coordinator Muhammad al-Lahham (Deheisha RC/Bethlehem) Muhammad Jaradat, coordinator, campaign unit Muhammad Jaradat (Beit Jala) Nidal Azza, coordinator, resource unit Naji Odeh (Deheishe RC/Bethlehem) Najwa Darwish (Beit Jala) Organizational Affiliations Nidal Azza (Aida RC/Bethlehem) Nihad Boqa’i (Sha’b/Galilee) BADIL has consultative status with UN ECOSOC and a Rifa’ Abu al-Reesh (al-Am’ari Camp/Ramallah) framework partnership agreement with UNHCR. Salem Abu Hawwash (Doura/Hebron) Samir Ata Odeh (Aida RC/Bethlehem) BADIL is a member of the global Palestine Right-of-Return Coalition, al-Awda Right-to-Return Coalition (USA), BNC- Shaher J. al-Bedawi (Balata RC/Nablus) Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Tayseer S. Nassrallah (Balata RC/Nablus) Committee, HIC-Habitat International Coalition (Cairo), Terry Rempel (Candada) CRIN-Child Rights Information Network (UK), ICVA- Wajih Atallah (Kalandia Camp/) International Council of Voluntary Agencies (Geneva), Walid M. Ja’arim (Balata RC/Nablus) ICNP-International Coordinating Network on Palestine, Walid Qawasmeh (Jerusalem) OPGAI-Occupied Palestine and Syrian Golan Heights Wisal F. al-Salem (Nur Shams RC/Tulkarem). Advocacy Initiative, and PNGO-Palestinian NGO Network.

Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 7

BADIL’s Environment 2008 – the Ongoing Nakba ...... 9

Part I: Organizational Profile

Governance and Management Structures ...... 13 Units and Human Resources ...... 13 Organizational Learning: the 2008 Management Reform ...... 16 Finances and Donors ...... 16

Part II: Summary of Main Results

Progress towards the Strategic Objective ...... 21 How has BADIL contributed to the Strategic Objective? ...... 24 Gaps yet to be bridged - obstacles to be overcome ...... 30

Part III: 2008 Progress Report Outputs from Projects and Activities; Challenges, Problems and Solutions

(1) Building local capacity to participate and engage ...... 33 1.1 Youth Education & Activation ...... 3 3 1.2 Academic and Activist Training ...... 3 5 1.3 Al-Awda Award ...... 3 6 1.4 Palestinian Strategy Forum ...... 39 (2) Outreach, support and alliance building ...... 40 2.1 The Ongoing-Nakba Education Center ...... 40 2.2 Participation in international networking conferences and meetings ...... 45

(3) Research, Mobilization and Intervention with Duty Bearers ...... 46 3.1 Research ...... 46 3.2 Facilitation of CBO actions and civil society campaigns ...... 47 3.3 Special media and public outreach activities ...... 49 3.4 Legal advocacy and intervention ...... 51

Part IV: 2008 External Audit Report ...... 55

Annexes 1- BADIL in Palestinian civil society coalitions 2008 ...... 71 2- List of BADIL tools and publications 2008 ...... 72 3- BADIL participation in international conferences 2008 ...... 74 Introduction

In 2008 BADIL became ten years old. We marked our anniversary with the launch of a new, three-year action plan entitled “Putting Rights into Practice.” Our 2008-2010 program is expected to galvanize new energies and political will for more effective protection of the rights of and IDPs and those at risk of forced displacement. This report presents the results of the first year of work.

As BADIL works to achieve results which have concrete impact on the rights of the Palestinian people, we decided – with the encouragement of international partners – to give more emphasis to result-based program management and presentation. A new format was thus created for BADIL progress reports, and we expect that this will facilitate organizational learning and adaptation and give better visibility to the results of our work.

The first section of this report includes an updated profile and new developments in our organization. We report – on the positive side - about how governance and transparency have been improved through management reform, whereas more effort is still required for organizational sustainability in the longer term. An unprecedented cash-flow crisis which marred our operations throughout the entire year of 2008 was the single most negative development in this context.

Section two includes a summary presentation of our program and the main 2008 results. We show how BADIL has contributed to independent civil society campaigning and advocacy for accountability to international law. We believe that the former achieved impressive and unprecedented impact in 2008, irrespective of the fact that the US-led alliance of Western governments and the EU have continued to undermine the rule of law and protect Israel’s impunity.

In the third and final section, a progress report is presented of BADIL projects and activities for: capacity-building; outreach, support and alliance building; and, research, mobilization and intervention. The section includes a discussion of challenges and problems faced during implementation and solutions found or considered.

On behalf of the BADIL team,

Ingrid Jaradat Gassner Afif Ghatasha Director Head of Board

March 2009

2008 Badil Annual Report 7 Photo: Tens of thousands of were forcibly discplaced in the occupied Gaza Strip when their homes were damaged or destroyed during Israel`s latest massive military assault that lasted from 27 December 2008 until 17 January 2009. Most of these people are Palestnians refugees of 1948 who have suffered yet another round of forced displacement.

Izbet Abed Rabbo, northern Beit Lahiya, March 2009 © Ahmad Al-Tahrawi/Badil

8 Our Environment in 2008 including the rights to return and self-determination, Israel and the international community have failed The Ongoing Nakba to respect, protect and promote for the past 60 years. The Palestinians killed, injured and displaced by In December 2008, Israel decided to mark the 60th Israel’s brutal military assault in December 2008 are anniversary of its existence the same way it had the same Palestinians – and their descendants - whom established itself – destroying lives and livelihoods of Israel had expelled from their homes and pushed into the Palestinian people. For 23 days, one of the world’s refugee-hood in Gaza in 1948 (two out of every three most powerful armies shelled and pounded from the Palestinians in Gaza are refugees), whose land it has air, land and sea the 1.5 million Palestinian inhabitants stolen, whom it has oppressed since 1967 by means of the tiny, over-populated, occupied and blockaded of a brutal military occupation, whose freedom of Gaza Strip that was compared to the Warsaw Ghetto movement it has severely restricted since the early by UN Rapporteur for Human Rights, Prof. Richard 1990s (the Gaza Strip was called an “open-air prison” Falk. Israel thus caused the forced displacement of tens already back then), and whom it had tried to starve of thousands of Palestinians, the death of more than into submission by means of a criminal blockade of 1,400 and the injury of over 5,000, the great majority food, fuel and electricity in the 18 months preceding of them civilians. 13 Israelis, ten of them soldiers, were the military assault. killed in this latest round of hostilities. An official UN fact finding mission has yet to be dispatched to Gaza. As in the case of Israel’s war against in 2006, Eyewitnesses, NGOs and international agencies have western governments led by the United States and raised that Israel has applied excessive force, including the European Union condoned and supported Israel’s illegal weapons, in an indiscriminate and wanton aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza manner against the civilian population of Gaza. Once Strip, and helped delay a Security Council resolution again, Israel is a suspect of war crimes and gross and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The same states systematic human rights violations. In common and continue to block further action by the United Nations, plain language, Israel has committed massacres. including effective sanctions and investigation and prosecution of Israeli war crimes and gross and The story of the 1.5 million Palestinians in the tiny systematic human rights violations. Gaza Strip is the story – in a nutshell – of BADIL’s work environment: the Ongoing Nakba (catastrophe) Against this background, efforts by the stateless of the Palestinian people, Israeli oppression and Palestinian people to organize and protect themselves Western complicity. continued to face huge challenges, mainly because the policies and practices of Israel and the Western Under the pretext of self-defense, the state of Israel diplomatic community since 2006 have resulted invoked – and western governments endorsed – a in the loss of political unity, internal armed “right” to indiscriminately and wantonly kill, injure conflicts, unprecedented humanitarian crisis and and displace those Palestinians refugees and civilians disempowerment. Still, independent campaigning under occupation, whose fundamental human rights, and legal efforts by Palestinian and international

2008 Badil Annual Report 9 grass-roots and civil society actors have provided and the thousands of Palestinian casualties. a supportive environment for BADIL’s work and achieved impressive and unprecedented impact By early 2009, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are in 2008. Palestinian commemorations of the 60th working to dig out what remains of their families, anniversary of the Nakba of 1948, for example, rebuild what remains of the homes - built through triggered worldwide interest in Palestinian refugees a lifetime of work - and unearth what remains of and exposed Israel’s policy of ethnic cleansing. The belongings bearing memories of generations. The Palestinian civil society-led Campaign for Boycott, government that promoted “preventive war” and Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel “war on terror” and established Guantanamo and Abu underwent substantial growth and consolidation; by Ghraib has come to an end in the United States, and November 2008 it was promoted by the President of new hope for change and a different, more just and the UN General Assembly: peaceful world inspires millions.

More than twenty years ago we in the United For most people of the world, however, such hope Nations took the lead from civil society when we will remain elusive, until legitimacy is restored to agreed that sanctions were required to provide their struggles for justice, freedom and unmitigated a nonviolent means of pressuring South Africa equality, the powerful are held accountable to to end its violations. Today, perhaps we in the universal standards, and impunity for gross and United Nations should consider following the systematic violation of human rights and war crimes lead of a new generation of civil society, who can be put to an end. The case of the Palestinian are calling for a similar non-violent campaign people, represented by the victims of Israel’s assault of boycott, divestment and sanctions to pressure on Gaza, is a test case in this regard, because Israel’s Israel to end its violations.1 racist and oppressive regime which combines elements of apartheid, colonialism and military Sadly, none of the above was able to prevent Israel’s occupation is sustained and protected by the most latest military assault against Gaza, Western complicity, powerful Western states.

1. For more detail and reference, see Part-II/1 of this report.

10 Part I

Organizational Profile

2008 Badil Annual Report 11 Photo: More forced displacement of Palestinians is induced by Israel`s illegal Wall in the occupied West Bank which segregates Palestinian population centers. Segregation causes more de-development of Palestinian communities and serves Israeli domination and colonization.

Northern part of segregated Bethlehem overtowered by the Jewish colony of Har Homa which is rapidly expanding on Palestinian land. © Badil

12 Part I: Organizational Profile

BADIL Governance and behalf of the GA, reviews/approves plans and reports submitted by the director, and facilitates program Management Structures implementation. The current Board was elected on 12 The General Assembly (GA) is the legal owner of June 2008 . BADIL and the highest decision-making body. It sets guidelines for organizational three-year plans, approves The Executive Committee (EC) forms the collective plans and annual reports and elects the BADIL Board. executive management of BADIL. The EC is led by the The GA is currently composed of 40 members active director and composed of program unit coordinators in Palestinian refugee community organizations in and the admin-finance coordinator. It monitors and the West Bank. It convenes annually, the last meeting adapts program implementation, and recruits and having been held on 12 June 2008 (extraordinary allocates resources as approved by the Board. The EC session). reports to the Board via the director.

The Oversight Committee (OSC) is elected for Units and Human Resources a two-year period by the GA and reports to it. The OSC (3 members) monitors and assesses BADIL’s BADIL’s program was implemented by professional performance under local law and BADIL by-laws. The staff working in two program units (Campaign Unit, current OSC was elected on 12 June 2008. Resource Unit). Assistance was provided by contracted personnel, interns, volunteers and volunteer members The Board of Directors is elected by the GA for a of BADIL support networks. Administrative support period of up to two years and meets monthly. The and financial control were provided by the admin- nine-member Board leads organizational affairs on finance coordinator and the director.

2008 Badil Annual Report 13 Units and Human Resources (2008) Director Ingrid Jaradat Gassner Admin-Finance Coordinator Najwa Darwish Admin Assistant vacancy Secretary-Receptionist Haitham Zahran Consultants 2008 Management Reform Shawqi al-Issa, advocate (consultant, 3-5/08) Administrative Assistance Ala Khalifeh (8/08 - 1/09)

Campaign Unit

Unit Coordinator: Muhammad Jaradat Project Officer/Youth Education Hassan Faraj Project Offer/Assistant-Awda Award Fares Atrash (6-12/08)

Contracted Organizations and Personnel Assistant, Awda Award Fares Atrash (10/07 - 5/08) Field-Activity Coordination Northern West Bank Mahmoud Subouh (2-8/08) Yaffa Cultural Center (9-12/08) Central West Bank Wajih Atallah (1-6/08) Union of Youth Activity Centers (9-12/08) Gaza Strip Naim Mattar (5-8/08) Union of Youth Activity Centers (9-12-/08) Field worker Ghassan Talab al-Atel, UYAC Kalandia (1-8/08)

33 Consultants/Jury, Al-Awda Award: Children’s story: Issa Qaraq’e, Salman Natour, Zacharia Muhammad, Renad Qubaj, Mahmoud Shqeir; Poster: Yusef Katalu, Sleiman Mansour, Umaya Ijha, Maqboula Nassar, Sharif Waked, Abed ‘Abeida; Research Paper: Ass’ad Ghanem, Norma Massriya, Aziz Heidar, Moslih Kanaaneh, Shawqi Issa; Oral History: Adel Yahya, Sonya Nimr, Mustafa Kabha, Nayef Jarrad, Adnan Shehadeh; Documentary Film: Muhammad Fawzi, Muhammad Bakri, Ra’ed Othman, Suheir Isma’el, Ibrahim Milhem, Layla Sansour; Written Journalism: Abdelnasser Najjar, Qassem Khatib, Shireen Abu ‘Aqleh, Nasser al-Lahham, Najib Farraj, Khalil Shaheen.

13 CBOs, Youth Education & Activation: Palestinian Children’s Cultural Center (Fawwar camp); Lajee Center (Aida camp); Doha Children’s Cultural Center (Doha, Bethlehem); YaffaCultural Center (Balata Camp); Youth Activity Center (al Far’ah camp); Youth Activity Center (Jelazoun camp); Palestinian Children’s Center (Shu’fat camp); Kay-La- Nansa Society (); Youth Activity Center (Nur Shams camp); Youth Activity Center (Aqbat Jabr camp); Tawassul Society (Nusseirat camp); ADRID (Nazareth); Aidoun- Youth Group (Damascus).

Volunteers Assistants, Nakba 60 Media Campaign Staff of the MA’AN News Agency Coordinators, Youth Summer Camp Adnan Na’eem, Safaa Msallem, Majdolen al-Jaafari Summer camp administration 62 volunteers Student activism, al-Quds University Hamdi al-Sheikh Khalil, Ahmad Nouba, Fawaz al-Silwatti Campaigner/Europe Rania Madi, Geneva

14 Resource Unit

Unit Coordinator Nihad Boqa’i (1-2/08); Nidal Azza (as of 7/08) Coordinator, Legal Advocacy Karine Mac Allister (1-7/08) Reem Mazzawi (as of 6/08) Info-Media Officer, English Hazem Jamjoum (3/08 – 3/09, Oxfam Quebec) Info-Media Officer- vacancy Technical Support Officer: Atallah Salem Contracted Personnel (Consultants) Research Charmaine Seitz (Nakba-60 Packet, 2 – 3/08) Terry Rempel (Handbook/Durable Solutions; contract from 2006) Karin Berg, (Brief/Refugee women’s rights (12/07 - 1/08) Elna Sondergaard (Working paper./universal jurisdiction) Research editors Salem Abu Hawwash (Expert Forum Reader, 2007-8) Nihad Boqa’i (Haq al-Awda, Awda Award; 8/08-1/09) Legal Advocacy Rania Madi, consultant, UN-Geneva (1-12/08) Training Nidal Azza (law course, al-Quds University; 12/07-06/08) Library development Anan Hamad, electronic catalogue, training (1-12/08) IT maintenance Isam Ishaq, (1-12/08) Web redesign Isam Ishaq, Beit Sahour (9/08 - 6/09) Translation (per piece) Yara Abu Gharbiya, Salem Abu Hawwash, Rawwa Masalha Design-Print: Al-Ayyam Publishers, Safad Advertizing, al-Jerashe, Latin Patriarchate Printshop, al-Amin, Jimzo, Turbo Design Volunteers/Interns Linux System Maintenance Curtis Rempel, Engima Logic Inc., Canada Photographer: Anne Paquier Research/legal advocacy Terry Rempel (Reader, 2003-4 Expert Forum) Nihad Boqa’i (60 Terms on the Nakba, booklet) Shannon Erwin (research/indigenous people’s rights; 5-8/08) Isabelle Humphries, production, al-Majdal magazine

BADIL Support Networks

Legal Support Network (LSN): composed of 80 international and local legal experts, academic researchers and human/ refugee rights activists. LSN is coordinated by BADIL and meets annually. Members provide professional advice and contribute to BADIL research, seminars and advocacy activities. Al-Majdal Editorial Advisory Board: 14 researchers, journalists and refugee rights activists who contribute to editorial planning and writing of BADIL’s English language quarterly. Haq al-Awda Editorial Advisory Board: 11 Palestinian writers and community activists who contribute to editorial planning and writing of BADIL’s Arabic-language magazine (bi-monthly).

2008 Badil Annual Report 15 Organizational Learning: by the Board in 2008 and will be presented to the GA in 2009. The new Basic Law is clear the 2008 Management Reform about mandates and division of tasks between A BADIL management reform implemented in the governance and executive institutions; a previous period (2005 – 2007) resulted in improvement customized by-laws/human resource management in financial planning, management and reporting. were drafted, approved by the Board and became However, clarification of the respective roles of operational in 2008; a governance institutions and the executive were not a new Coordinator, Resource Unit, was recruited in completed. By 2007, disputes over proper management July, and temporary administrative assistance had a negative impact on BADIL operations, in was hired in August; a particular on human resources. temporary contracts with individual field-coordinators and -workers were replaced by institutional One vacancy (info-media officer/English) was staffed cooperation agreements with CBOs who are in March 2008, and replacement of the outgoing committed to provide regular field support; a Coordinator, Legal Advocacy was recruited in human resource needs were re-assessed, some June. However, BADIL continued to operate in an job-descriptions and job-titles revised and two environment of stress, uncertainty and shortage of staff vacancies announced towards staff recruitment in the first half of 2008. and training in 2009; aadditional office space was secured as planned in Efforts between March and May to resolve the second half of 2008 for the Ongoing-Nakba management problems with the help of an external Education Center, including a BADIL meeting consultant team did not bring about the desired results. hall and library. Therefore, the BADIL General Assembly convened for an extraordinary session on 12 June 2008 for Additional tasks remaining for 2009: staff the purpose of early elections of a new Board and recruitment and training; annex to By-Laws/ Human Resource Management; customized By- Oversight Committee. The new Board, OSC and staff subsequently engaged in a concerted effort in order to Laws/Financial Management; recruitment of repair damage done and implement the outstanding new members to GA, in particular women. items of the management reform.

Main development - by the end of 2008, Finances and Donors efficiency and transparency of BADIL governance and management had improved, Main development – An unprecedented cash- whereas more effort is yet required, in particular flow crisis marred BADIL operations throughout with human resources, in order to ensure the entire year of 2008 and posed a serious organizational sustainability in the longer term. threat to community and staff confidence in our organization. It was mitigated by successful aa new Basic Law and organogram were approved financial management.

16 Managing Cash-flow Shortage Improving Cooperation with Donors

The 2007 annual report, including external audit Heavy work load and the tight management reform report, were completed in a timely fashion, and 2005 schedule prevented implementation of the planned – 2007 BADIL program files were closed. Financial annual BADIL consultation with donors and partners sustainability of our new 2008 – 2010 program about the progress of our 2008 - 2010 strategic plan. appeared guaranteed based on early pledges received, and BADIL was prepared to handle some delay with the At the same time, BADIL invested more time signing of new contracts. However, more contracts and and effort than ever before in efforts at collective fund transfers were delayed for much longer periods programming and planning initiated by DCA- than expected. The result was a serious shortage of Danchurch Aid, EPER/HECKS and ICCO with cash-flow in the entire year of 2008, i.e. at a time when all local NGO partners in Palestine. BADIL also BADIL was committed to a large number of Palestinian worked with Oxfam Solidarity on results-based grass-roots organizations to support and facilitate the program management and participated in a partner largest-ever commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba consultation organized by Trocaire for development at its 60th anniversary. of the Trocaire Palestine program (Maynooth, Ireland, 15-18 September). The cash-flow crisis was mitigated through tight budget control and a number of financial emergency In 2008, BADIL established cooperation with four measures, including: new donors (Catalan Agency for International Development, Spanish Agency for International • strict prioritizing of payments; Development Cooperation-AECID, the European • postponement of payments whenever possible; Human Rights and Good Governance Program, Arab • temporary use of restricted staff saving funds to cover Human Rights Foundation), while two veteran donors cost of priority activities (with staff consent); terminated their support for reasons not related to • frequent postponement of staff salary payment (with BADIL (Stichting Vluchteling; Norwegian People’s staff consent). Aid by 2009).

BADIL, moreover, administered a special grant of New cooperation agreements and the fact that more the Welfare Association for the National Committee/ donors (seven as compared to three in the past) are Nakba-60. In this way, we were able to keep our ready to provide non-earmarked (institutional) support commitment and support community mobilization to BADIL’s 2008 – 2010 program, give rise to the for the Nakba-60 Campaign, albeit in a different expectation that BADIL can become more stable, way. predictable, flexible and sustainable in financial terms. The cash-flow crisis ended in December 2008, when a substantial grant for the 2008-2009 program period was received.

2008 Badil Annual Report 17 Photo: Generations of Palestinians have responded to forced displacement and dispossession by commemorating the Nakba of 1948 and demanding respect of the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and places of origin as part of reparations.

Nakba-60 commemoration in Ramallah, occupied West Bank, 15 May 2008. © Badil

18 Part II

Summary of Main Results2

2. Note on terms used: results are defined in line with the agenda for aid efficiency formulated in the 2005 Paris Declaration. Outputs are the results of project activities; outcomes are results related to the strategic (mid-term) objectives, while impact relates to changes relevant to the long-term objective (aim) which are affected by a variety of external, uncontrollable factors.

2008 Badil Annual Report 19 Photo: In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, internally displaced Palestinian citizens of Israel organized the largest march of return ever held inside Israel from Nazareth to the 1948 depopulated and destroyed village of Saffuriya.

Saffuriya, 8 May 2008. © Badil

20 Part II: Summary of Main Results

Progress towards the Strategic Objective

BADIL’s current three-year program “Putting Rights into Practice” (2008 – 2010) aims to contribute to a stronger Palestinian civil society whose campaigns are based on collective and rights-based analysis and strategic vision and can generate more political will to hold Israel accountable and respect and protect the rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the right of return of the refugees and IDPs.

We assume that if this strategic objective is achieved, of national committees which include major Israel’s war crimes and gross and systematic violations sectors of the Palestinian national movement of international human rights law can be ended and in Palestine and the exile (see Annex-1); they a situation can be achieved where international law have adopted a common problem analysis and UN resolutions are respected so that Palestinian (Israel’s regime over the Palestinian people refugees and IDPs can exercise their right to return, the which combines apartheid, colonialism and Palestinian people can exercise their rights to freedom occupation) and strategic principles for the and self-determination, and all people in the country solution (ending occupation, colonization and can enjoy peace and security that is based on justice discrimination; justice, equality and refugee and equality. return). aMore allies have been recruited worldwide and We believe that Palestinian civil society and our civil society campaigns have grown in scope global allies have achieved impressive progress and and impact in 2008. Palestinian civil society unprecedented impact in 2008, irrespective of the fact was able to lead a Nakba-60 Campaign which that the US-led alliance of Western governments and resulted in unprecedented media coverage and the EU have continued to undermine the rule of law public interest and concern about the plight of and ensure Israel’s impunity. the Palestinian refugees and the legitimacy of Israel’s policies, not only in Arab countries, but also in Europe, North America, Australia 8 2008 Progress Accomplished Towards and elsewhere. Civil society organizations the Strategic Objective: broke the siege of Gaza (albeit symbolically), and the Campaign for Boycott, Divestment aMore Palestinian activists engaged for rights- and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel led by the based vision, strategies and campaigning. Palestinian Boycott National Committee (BNC) Palestinian civil society organizations have continued to grow. It became mainstreamed in become organized in a broader, more effective response to Israel’s military assault on Gaza at and sustainable manner. Many of them are part the end of the year.

2008 Badil Annual Report 21 Nakba-60 Abroad

A Surge of New Nakba Awareness

Civil society and the media abroad engaged in commemorating the Nakba at is 60th anniversary in a way they had never done before.

This applies in particular to Arab countries, where Arab satellite TV stations engaged in months of intensive awareness- raising through documentary films and studio debates.

Not only in Arab countries, however, but encouragingly also in Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere, Nakba-60 triggered new interest and concern about the ongoing plight of the Palestinian refugees and raised questions about the legitimacy of Israel’s policy of population transfer. An unprecedented number of Nakba-60 events and actions - exhibitions, film and music festivals, seminars, conferences, and public rallies - have been undertaken in the United States, Canada, Australia, the U.K., Chile, Germany, Belgium and elsewhere. Poster campaigns and public petitions called upon governments to recognize the Nakba and the injustice done to the Palestinian refugees and to respect, protect and promote their right to return.

The Nakba featured prominently for the first time in major mainstream newspapers published in Europe and North America.

The 2008 BDS Campaign

Main Results

In 2008, at least 14 new resolutions were passed by civil society organizations joining the BDS movement, including resolutions of student unions and senates (London School of Economics, American University of Cairo, ASSE/Quebec), labor unions (Catalan Workers’ Union, CUPE and CUPW in Canada; UNISON and UCU in the U.K.), the US-Green Party and European Jews for a Just Peace (EJJP).

The Boycott National Committee (BNC) in Palestine recorded over 20 public letters and calls and some 60 BDS actions worldwide in 2008, including lawsuits and other court action, protests against trade and arms cooperation with Israel, and direct action against official Israeli participation in sports, arts and cultural events.

More than ever since the launch of the Palestinian civil society BDS Call in 2005, BDS actions began to show tangible results, such as: decisions to abstain from participation in Israel-60 celebrations; relocation of companies from Israeli colonies in the 1967 occupied West Bank; UNICEF cutting ties with its former sponsor Lev Leviev for his implication with Israel’s arms trade and colonial enterprise; a decision by the European trans-national corporation Unilever to divest from an Israeli factory in the West Bank colony of Ariel; and, termination of serveral university and public institutions` contracts with the Israeli owned Eden Springs water company in Scotland. First substantial reports about the BDS campaign by mainstream media came in response to Israel’s military assault against Gaza at the end of the year.

22 aMore duty bearers, including states, have affirmed and supported the rights-based civil society message and campaigns inside and outside Statement of H.E. Father Miguel D’Escoto the United Nations: Arab, Asian and African Brockmann, President of the UN General states, members of the UN Special Committee Assembly, to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the 57th plenary meeting on agenda item 16, Human Rights of the Palestinian People and The Question of Palestine Other Arabs in the Occupied Territories, have called for sanctions against Israel since 2007. United Nations, New York, 24 November 2008 Britain tightened control of imports of Israeli (excerpts): settlement products, whereas the governments of Bolivia, Ecuador, Mauritania, Qatar, Turkey and 4. I spoke this morning about apartheid and how Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Venezuela, among others, imposed various forms appear so similar to the apartheid of an earlier era, of diplomatic sanctions in response to Israel’s a continent away. military assault on Gaza at the end of the year. 5. I believe it is very important that we in the United Nations use this term. We must not be afraid to call something what it is. It is the United Nations, after all, that passed the International Convention against the Crime of Apartheid, making clear to all the world that such practices of official discrimination must be outlawed wherever they occur.

6. We heard today from a representative of South African civil society. We know that all around the world, civil society organizations are working to defend Palestinian rights, and are trying to protect the Palestinian population that we, the United Nations, are failing to protect.

7. More than twenty years ago we in the United Nations took the lead from civil society when we agreed that sanctions were required to provide a nonviolent means of pressuring South Africa to end its violations.

8. Today, perhaps we in the United Nations should consider following the lead of a new generation of civil society, who are calling for a similar non-violent Photo: Also abroad, public interest and concern campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions to about the plight of the Palestinian refugees was pressure Israel to end its violations. stronger than before. Nakba-60 in Paris, May 2008. © ActiveStills

2008 Badil Annual Report 23 How has BADIL Contributed to the Strategic Objective? BADIL’s contribution is best demonstrated by a review of the strategic results (outcomes) of our program in 2008:

8 Strategic Result (1) - Palestinians, including refugees and youth, are engaged and participate in the implementation of rights-based analysis, strategic vision and campaigns.

BADIL initiated and led drafting of two major new rights-based strategy documents which were adopted by collective civil society fora in 2008.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 New rights-based strategy • Two major new rights-based strategy documents drafted by BADIL were adopted in documents have been 2008: “United against Apartheid, Colonialism and Occupation – Dignity and Justice developed and adopted for the Palestinian People” (BNC Strategic Position Paper for the UN Durban Review collectively. Conference, October 2008); and, the Final Statement, Fourth National Conference to Defend the Right of Return (National Committee-Nakba 60, 29 November). • Additional drafts and ideas regarding practical planning for implementation of the right of return and promotion of a one-state vision/solution resulted from conferences organized by like-minded organizations in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and elsewhere.

BADIL implemented its project of “Youth Education & Activation”: 747 refugee/IDP children and youth aged 14-17 were trained in the courses of 2007/8 and 2008/9. Trainees have become more aware of their rights and responsibilities, have organizing skills, and are active organizers in their communities.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 20083 Participants/trainees are • Youth in Gaza and Syria join the project for the first time. more aware of their rights • Most of the youth involved in BADIL training in 2006 -7 have meanwhile become and responsibilities, have youth leader/trainers, taken on administrative tasks in their CBO, or are active in organizing skills, and are community organizing elsewhere. At the 2008 Summer Camp (course of 08/09), 10 of active organizers in their the 60 organizers/ facilitators were graduates of previous courses. communities. • At the 2008 Summer Camp, facilitators and guests were impressed by the enthusiasm with which youth engaged in workshops exploring how they and their friends and peers could campaign for refugee rights, and by the quality of their artistic performances. BADIL also received many compliments for the quality of activities, professionalism of organization, and the healthy food served by the camp kitchen. • Two graduates of the 07/08 course were granted a scholarship award for university studies by Deir Yassin Remembered (USA).

3. For base-line information, see the BADIL 2007 Annual Report. Information about indicators and means of verification is available upon request.

24 BADIL implemented two law courses for 36 university students and additional informal training workshops for 100 students, human rights activists and media workers. Trainees understand relevant concepts, and many applied them to their studies/work and/or social and political activism.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 Students/trainees understand • 36 Palestinian law students improved knowledge of international law applicable to relevant concepts and apply Palestinian refugees, Palestinian history and politics, as well as academic research them in their professions and/ skills; or in community organizing • BADIL’s course program, methodology and reading materials were highly with the aim to protect commended; the university and students have requested more BADIL courses. Palestinians from, during and • Students from the courses have formed a committee for raising awareness among after displacement and join university students. The committee distributed BADIL publications, encouraged civil society campaigns. participation in the Awda Award, and organized a lecture with the al-Quds Human Rights Clinic about the relationship between the right of return and self determination in December. • At least 100 additional students, media and human rights workers were introduced to legal concepts and analysis and apply them to reporting about forced displacement and student activism, in particular the Right to Education Campaign and the annual Israeli Apartheid Week.

BADIL effectively encouraged participation of the Palestinian public in intellectual and cultural production on the right of return through implementation of the 2008 al-Awda Award competition.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 Palestinian public is more • Number of participants has increased (387 in 2008 vs. 292 in 2007). engaged in intellectual and • Audience at Award Festival increased from 800 in 2007 to 1,200 in 2008. cultural production on the • Women have featured strongly among the Award winners (9 of 16 in 2007; 6 of 18 right of return. in 2008). • Much positive feedback was received from the public in Palestine and abroad. • The Award-winning poster was adopted by the National Committee/Nakba 60 as the poster of the Palestinian Nakba-60 campaign. • Some winning entries were useful as promotion and information tools (see strategic result-2). • Awda Awards are a major media opportunity for BADIL (see strategic result-3). • BADIL was able to share experience with the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation who organized a similar public competition (“Expressions of the Nakba”) on the occasion of Nakba-60 in the United States.

2008 Badil Annual Report 25 8 Strategic Result (2) – more and better informed allies and supporters are recruited worldwide for implementation of the rights-based strategy.

BADIL launched the Ongoing-Nakba Education Center in response to the growing demand for information tools and services in support of civil society campaigns. In this context, BADIL improved office space and information tools and services, expanded outreach, and developed old and new alliances.

BADIL and members of the Legal Support Network-LSN participated in 13 international conferences and meetings for networking and promotion. At least one major new strategic alliance for campaigning in Europe was formed in 2008.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 More and better information • Public resource library is operational and online and advocacy tools and • BADIL participated, for the first time, in library conferences and book-fairs in services are available at Palestine and other Arab countries; BADIL. • 25 new tools and 79 press releases were produced in larger numbers than in the past, mainly due to the Nakba-60 commemoration (see Annex-2). • BADIL served as an information “clearing house” on the Nakba and networked Outreach of tools and services with some 120 organizations for a global Nakba-60 events calendar, is wider than in the past. • Much positive feedback was received from readers/users of BADIL Nakba-60 tools and persons briefed. New alliances are formed and • The number of visitors briefed inside and outside BADIL’s offices has increased by existing ones have become more than one third (1,300 as compared to 900 in 2007). stronger. • The number BADIL web-visitors remained slightly lower than in 2007 (32,500). • BADIL contributed to the “Bilbao Civil Society Forum”, which was the single most important networking event in 2008. It resulted in a new strategic alliance between the BNC/Palestinian NGO networks and major civil society networks in Europe (ECCP, RESCOP in Spain) and elsewhere (e.g. ICNP, IJAN) for implementation of a joint plan of action (“Bilbao Initiative”) based on the BNC’s principles, analysis and BDS Campaign.

26 8 Strategic Result (3) – Duty bearers respond by affirming the rights-based message in statement and actions.

BADIL researched instruments and mechanisms relevant to international crimes and UN and EU enforcement of the rule of law. No new BADIL studies were published in 2008, but research provided legal analysis and data for position papers and statements prepared for campaigning, advocacy and lobbying.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 More professional analysis, • No new studies were published in 2008, but BADIL studies published earlier were facts and figures are available frequently recommended and cited. and support the rights-based • Legal analysis and data compiled informed campaign and legal advocacy statements message. and interventions.

BADIL provided much logistic support, as well as small-scale financial support, to CBOs of refugees/IDPs, the National Committee-Nakba 60 and the BNC-National Committee/BDS Campaign whose campaigns have grown impressively and exert stronger pressure on duty bearers than before.

BADIL implemented 3 special media projects, at least 40 interviews and 3 speaking tours in the United States, Belgium and Spain which amplified the strategic message and gave more publicity to the campaigns.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 Civil Society campaigns have • The National Committee/Nakba-60 and the BNC-National Committee/BDS Campaign grown in scope and extend were established; they are effective, broad and stable mechanisms for implementation of stronger pressure on duty civil society campaigns. BADIL contributed to their establishment and operation. bearers. • The BNC launched its BDS website and issued regular calls and statements; BADIL contributed to both. • BADIL operated a field-coordinator in the Gaza Strip for the first time. • BADIL administered a grant for the National Committee-Nakba 60 for a one-year long program of community-based action. • In May 2008, the largest-ever number of CBO’s and NGOs in Palestine – on both sides of the “green line” – carried out the largest ever mobilization for the right of return on the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, and BADIL recorded at least 190 Nakba-60 events abroad. • More Israeli Jews joined and supported Nakba-60 events, including in Talbiya (West Jerusalem) where Palestinian owners protested in front of their confiscated homes and demanded their right to return.

2008 Badil Annual Report 27 • At least 14 new resolutions were passed by organizations joining the civil society BDS campaign worldwide. The BNC-Boycott National Committee in Palestine recorded over 20 public letters/calls and some 60 BDS actions worldwide which – more than in the past - began to show tangible results (see box, p. 22). Media reporting and public awareness of the BDS campaign have increased. • BADIL was reported at least six times by mainstream media (al-Jazeera TV, BBC, daily press in Belgium and US). In general, however, local Arabic, alternative/ specialized foreign media and the blogosphere have remained BADIL’s major forum.

Nakba-60 in Palestine – Public Rallies for the Right of Return

Commemorations were launched by the National Committee/Nakba 60 on 8 May (Israel’s independence day) with the opening of the Return Camp in Ramallah, a general strike in the OPT, and the Return March of the internally displaced Palestinians from Nazareth to the 1948 depopulated Palestinian village of Saffuriya. Approximately 10-15,000, including a substantial number of Jewish Israelis, joined this largest-ever Return March in Israel. People were dispersed by a brutal police attack towards the end of the day.

In the West Bank, the Return Camp served as the focal point for 10 days of organizing, political debate and cultural events. Memorial activities included film screenings, testimonies of eyewitnesses of the 1948 Nakba, exhibitions, visits to lost homes and villages, lectures and debates, sports events, protest marches and rallies all over Palestine. Over 13,000 visitors (1,000/day and 3-4,000 on 15 May), including Palestinian officials, politicians, local and international media, frequented the Return Camp between May 8 - 15. Information materials were distributed at the Information Tent. Approximately 10,000 visitors put their signature onto the “pledge to the land of Palestine” set up at the entrance to the Camp.

On 15 May at noon, tens of thousands (estimate: 50,000), including many youth and women, marched through the streets of down-town Ramallah demanding respect of their right to return to their homes and lands, and black balloons were flown from Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jerusalem. The massive public gathering in the center of Ramallah represented one of the largest public events in the recent history of the occupied West Bank; it was widely covered by the media locally and abroad.

No similar Nakba-60 commemoration could be held in the Gaza Strip, where only small events were organized due to the lack of public safety.

28 BADIL intervened with duty bearers, including the PLO Chairman and PA President and through legal advocacy with the Human Rights Council, UN special rapporteurs, UNHCR, UNRWA, OHCHR, OCHA and other UN agencies and international organizations. Rights-based statements and practical action were the response in some occasions. On other occasions, however, even duty bearers directly bound by mandates under international humanitarian and human rights law clearly failed to act upon their legal obligation.

Expected Results (Outputs) Actual Results and Progress in 2008 Duty bearers, in particular • BADIL legal advocacy in the OPT contributed to international recognition of the those involved in UN ongoing phonemon of forced displacement, affirmation of the right of return human rights mechanisms, of Palestinian IDPs, and planning for implementation of the UN Collaborative humanitarian and Response to Forced Displacement in the OPT by a new, OCHA-led inter-agency development aid, respond Forced Displacement Working Group (DWG). with rights based statements • Legal advocacy has contributed to re-affirmation of the right of return of Palestinian and actions. refugees and IDPs by UN human rights mechanisms and the General Assembly, and support of war crimes investigations, embargos and sanctions against Israel by many states of Africa, Asia and Latin America. • A petition on behalf of the 1948 dispossessed residents of Kafr Bir`im and Arab as- Subeih was dropped by the OHCHR most likely for political reasons; • In December, efforts to draw the attention of states to Israel’s system of instutionalized racial discrimination failed during the Universal Periodical Review (UPR) of Israel which was undertaken just days before the military assault against the Palestinians in Gaza.

In 2008, the United Nations was unable or unwilling to give recognition to the Palestinian vicitms of the Nakba, including in UN meeting organized to raise awareness for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Nakba-60 was commomorated only once in the General Assembly in New York, where a little-publicized conference was convened in June under the auspices of the Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

In the spring of 2008, BADIL and COHRE were informed that our petition on behalf of the 1948 displaced Palestinian residents of Kafr Bir’im and Arab as-Subeih demanding return and restitution was “no longer under consideration” by the responsible working group of the UN human rights office (OHCHR). We were also informed that no reason would be given for why the case was dropped. Off-record we were made to understand that the issue was “too political.”

2008 Badil Annual Report 29 Gaps yet to be bridged - Obstacles to be overcome towards the Strategic Objective r Organized Palestinian civil society still lacks r The broad Palestinian public is largely unaware of clarity and consensus about the political vision strategic civil society debate and does not believe of the solution. It is fragmented and lacks the that the BDS Campaign can achieve policy change. mechanism (i.e., the PLO) for more effective political action. r The US-led alliance of Western governments and the EU continues to avoid addressing the root causes of r Palestinian activists lack experience with new forms the conflict. It rather endorses Israel’s oppression of action which can show that people can protect of the Palestinian people and protect Israel from themselves and that they can return; efforts to hold it accountable to international law.

Photo: Approximately 50,000 participated in the largest-ever public rally for he right of return in the occupied West Bank. The organizing committee included all sectors of the Palestinian national movement. Ramallah, 15 May 2008. © Badil

30 Part III

Progress Report

Outputs from Projects and Activities

Challenges, Problems and Solutions

2008 Badil Annual Report 31 Photo: As international protection remains largely ineffective, Palestinians must be able to protect themselves from further forced displacement and dispossession. Graduates of BADIL Youth Educattion & Activation are more aware of their rights and responsibilities, have organizing skills, and most are active organizers in their communities.

BADIL youth summer camp `Generations of Return` with 252 participants from 13 CBOs, Beit Jala, 10 - 14 August 2008. @ Badil

32 Part III: Progress Report Outputs from Projects and Activities, Challenges, Problems and Solutions

(1) Building Local Capacity to Participate and Engage

1.1 “Youth Education & Activation”

747 refugee/IDP children and youth aged 14-17 were trained in the courses of 2007/8 and 2008/9. The courses included theoretical study and collective activity, among them participation in the public commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, a summer camp and exchange visits. BADIL cooperated with 10 CBOs for implementation of the 2007/8 course and with 13 CBOs for the 2008/9 course (ongoing).

CBO partners in 2008/9 Youth Education & Activation

West Bank: Palestinian Children’s Cultural Center (Fawwar camp); Lajee Center (Aida camp); Doha Children’s Cultural Center (Doha, Bethlehem); Yaffa Cultural Center (Balata Camp); Youth Activity Center (al Far’ah camp); Youth Activity Center (Jelazoun camp); Palestinian Children’s Center (Shu’fat camp); Kay-La-Nansa Society (Jenin camp); Youth Activity Center (Nur Shams camp); Youth Activity Center (Aqbat Jabr camp); Gaza Strip: Tawassul Society (Nusseirat camp); 1948 Pal/Israel: ADRID (Nazareth); Syria: Aidoun-Syria Youth Group (Damascus).

Schedule of Activities Undertaken

Course of 2007/8

March Evaluation with 10 partner CBOs Selection of 20 best students from the 2007/8 course for follow-up training and support 18 April Public graduation ceremony for 379 youth (aged 14-17, among them 187 girls) and their CBOs at the Fenique Center, Dheisha camp

Course of 2008/9

25 April to 14 partners were selected; contracts were signed and orientation was provided. Seven partners are CBOs that had participated previously and performed well; seven were new partners, including one each in the Gaza Strip and in Syria.

2008 Badil Annual Report 33 May 1 May: start of the course with 384 youth aged 14-17 (among them 180 girls). The course had a late start due to coinciding preparations for the Nakba-60 commemorations. It will continue until 31 March 2009, in order to compensate for time lost. Participation in Nakba-60 commemoration: two partner-CBO’s and their youth participated in the official launch of Nakba-60 commemorations in Saffouriya/Nazareth and Ramallah (8 May). All CBOs and their youth prepared slogans and invited relatives and friends to join local Nakba-60 commemorations organized by the National Committee Nakba-60 in the week of 8 – 15 May. On 15 May, ten CBOs participated in large numbers in the central Nakba-60 memorial rally held in Ramallah. June - July Visits by the BADIL project officer with all CBO partners and their youth for advice and guidance; cancellation of one contract (Baladna, Haifa); course continues with 13 CBOs and 368 youth (184 boys, 184 girls). Study and debate based on the BADIL Facilitator Manual-1 (history and geography of Palestine). Start of Preparations: Central Summer Camp: renting venue (including kitchen, outdoor space, swimming pool and sleeping rooms for girls). Three coordinators were contracted for July -August to manage the 62-member volunteer-team that assisted with preparation and implementation of the summer camp; T-shirts and hats were produced for camp staff and youth participants; services were contracted for construction of the tent camp (sleeping area for the boys). 10-14 August: Summer Camp “Generations of Return” with 252 youth (including 94 girls) from 12 CBOs in the West Bank and Nazareth. The following assisted with implementation: Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Union of Health Work Committees, Municipality of Beit Jala, MA’AN TV and News Network and the Popular Committees in the Dheisha and Aida refugee camps. Aug – Sept Study and debate based on Manual-2 (current situation of Palestinian refugees and IDPs). Regular activity reports received from all partners, including those in Syria and Gaza Strip. October 9 October: training day for faciliators on Manual- 3 (refugee rights under international law); study and debate of Manual-3. 28 Nov Exchange visits to the Aqbat Jaber Camp, Jericho (Youth Activity Center) and Nur Shams Camp, Tulkarem (Youth Activity Center) 10 Dec Exchange visit to al-Fawwar camp, Hebron (Palestinian Children’s Cultural Center)

34 Challenges, Problem, Solutions 1.2 Academic and Activist Training

Youth and CBO partners in the Gaza Strip and Syria Activities implemented cannot participate in joint activities in the West Bank. BADIL courses at al-Quds University Law School, Solutions: Youth of Aidun-Syria participated in “Palestinian Refugees under International Law”: the summer camp organized annually by Aidun Spring semester (February – June): 21 graduates, in Syria. No summer activity could be arranged success rate 100%, average grade 81; Fall semester for the trainees of Tawassul/Nusseirat camp, (Sept. 08 – January 09): 15 graduates, success rate Gaza. BADIL therefore decided to compensate 100%, average grade 80. the children with new school bags and school supplies. The syllabus was prepared in cooperation with members of the BADIL Legal Support Network who teach Youth contributions to the project web-page www. similar courses at universities abroad. Student reading badil.org/training/index.htm (in Arabic) are rare and materials include materials published by BADIL. weak; and there is a need for improvement of the course format to ensure that trainees learn. Workshops on forced displacement

Solutions: shorten and simplify the course BADIL facilitated a first training by theGeneva-based material; prepare and prescribe practical Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) for activities (e.g. short plays, video films, etc.) local and international NGOs aimed at providing tools that should accompany theoretical training; to identify and respond to forced displacement in the train facilitators in methods of learning that OPT based on the UN Guiding Principles on Internal can be fun. Forced Displacement (27-28 February).

Follow-up training of the 40 best graduates selected BADIL workshop on ongoing forced displacement for since 2007 has been unsatisfactory as BADIL has local (Palestinian and international) media workers rarely found opportunities to offer meaningful learning (26 April; 15 participants). experiences to them. Right to Education Campaign: in coordination with Solutions (for discussion): invite them and the Right to Education Campaign and the universities’ organize trainings in future summer camps; find Student Ambassadors Program, BADIL provided special training opportunities, including with workshops to over 60 students at Bethlehem University volunteers from abroad. and al-Najah University. These workshops provided students with the tools for using a rights-based approach, in particular in presentations to foreign audiences. Workshops focused on understanding and refuting prevailing myths and untruths surrounding

2008 Badil Annual Report 35 the Palestinian refugee issue in particular, and Israeli and active students to engage in voluntary colonialism, apartheid and occupation in general. activities with the aim to build academic expertise and leadership. Israeli Apartheid Week: BADIL worked with students in Bethlehem University, al-Quds Open Activists Workshops: were not initially part of the University in Bethlehem, and al-Quds University plan but launched in response to demand, with tools (Abu Dis) to develop the analysis of Israel as a state (e.g. power-point presentations) prepared ad hoc for committing the internationally prohibited crime of this purpose. Training tools must be developed (in apartheid. The goal of these meetings and activities Arabic and English) and future trainings planned was to deepen the awareness and understanding of systematically, in particular with CBO partners in the apartheid analysis and the Campaign for Boycott, BADIL “Youth Education and Activation.” Divestment and Sanction (BDS). These meetings and activities were done in coordination with the international student network associated with Israeli 1.3 Al-Awda Award Competition Apartheid Week (www.apartheidweek.org). BADIL received 387 submissions to the 2008 award competition from participants in Palestine and abroad: Challenges, Problem, Solutions 27 short films, 159 posters, 18 research papers, 15 oral history testimonies, 109 children’s stories and 59 Law courses at al-Quds University: students in the first pieces of written journalism. The 18 winners in the course initially complained about the large amount of six categories were selected by independent expert reading and writing required in the course. They showed juries and honored at two parallel Award Festivals in little background knowledge of general international Ramallah and Gaza. human rights law and IHL and the political history of the Palestinian people, as well as weak analytical and writing skills. Extensive introduction and explanations were provided by the BADIL lecturer and students improved over time. The course program and reading materials were subsequently adapted for the second course, in order to better meet the level and needs of the students.

An additional challenge is the fact that al-Quds University and its academic program do not encourage students to engage with refugee rights and the Palestinian refugee question. Photo: The ultimate review of award-winning children`s stories. 2008 Awda Award Festival, Solution: BADIL may encourage distinguished Ramalah. © Badil

36 Schedule of Activities Undertaken

1 March Closing date for submissions.

21 March - Selection of winners by independent juries mid-April Adoption of award winning poster by the National Committee/Nakba 60

3 May Parallel Al-Awda Award Festivals in Cultural Palace, Ramallah, and the Red Crescent Hall, Khan Younis, Gaza (with satellite link and broadcast). The program included: poster exhibition, dance performance of al-Funoun al-Sha’abiyya, screening of winning short films, and award of 18 prizes to the first, second and third place winners (US$1,000, $600, $400), with honorable mention of 34 (combined audience: 1,200)

October Evaluation and planning meetings with staff and jury members 15 November Public launch of call for entries for the 2009 Awda competition, with special focus on universities, schools and CBOs.

Challenges, Problem, Solutions

In the long term, the lack of suitable co-sponsors Solutions for the 2009 competition and the need for innovation regarding format and style of future Awda Award competitions and festivals • Topic of research paper will be specified (the role represent major challenges. All offers of co-sponsorship of refugee women in combating the consequences received from the Palestinian private sector had to be of the Nakba and ongoing displacement) rejected because they would have resulted in too much commercialization of the event. • The categories “oral history testimony” and “short documentary film” will be suspended. Solution: Re-assess and decide about the future of the Awda Award, including possible • A new award category for “best photo” will be improvements or termination, after completion adopted for children participants. of the 2009 competition in June 2009. • Forms will be prepared for the juries in order to A matter of immediate concern is the low quality facilitate professional assessment of entries and of entries in some categories, including winning selection of winners. entries. This has posed big problems to BADIL who is committed to publish and promote winning entries.

2008 Badil Annual Report 37 The Winners of the 2008 Al-Awda Award

Children’s Story

1st: Ahlam Mohammad Bisharat (33), school teacher and freelance writer, Toubas (West Bank), for the story Shubbak Al-Zinko (“The Zinc Window”) 2nd: Maysoon Asadi (45), NGO director and freelance writer, Haifa, for the story Bayt Buyut (“House of Houses”) 3rd: Dima Sahweel (34), bank employee and freelance writer, Ramallah, for the story ‘Ulbat Alwan (“Box of Colours”)

Documentary Short Film

1st: Hisham Zreiq (40), born in Nazareth, engineer in Germany, for the film Abna’ Eilaboun (“Sons of Eilaboun”) and: Mohammad Jabr (26), director of media training center, Ramallah, for the film Lu’bat Yaffa (“The Yaffa Game”) 2nd: Ahmad Shehadeh (20), cameraman, Gaza, for the film Fi Tafasil al-Qussah (“Details of a Story”) 3rd: Ameer Ahmaru (32), TV producer, Hebron, for the film Laji’ Ila Watani (“Refuge in my Homeland”)

Oral History

1st: Rasha Abu Zaitun (26), graduate of social sciences, Tulkarem, for her research on the 1948 depopulated Palestinian village of Sabbareen 2nd: Abdel Hamid Al-Farani (42), lecturer at the Islamic University of Gaza, for his research on the 1948 depopulated Palestinian village of Hamama 3rd: Anwar Mar’i (28), social sciences graduate, Tulkarem, for his research on the 1948 depopulated Palestinian village of Abu Kishek

Nakba-60 Poster

1st: Ashraf Ghurayyib (33), arts teacher, Gaza 2nd: Khaldoon Khatib (34), graphic designer, Hebron 3rd: Anan Zurba (34), arts teacher, Nablus

Written Journalism

1st: Anas Abu Rahmah (31), student of journalism, Bil’in (Ramallah), for the piece al-Mithya’ (“The Radio”) 2nd: Abdel Hakim Abu Jamous (42), civil servant, Nablus, for the piece Sir al-Lawn al-Azraq (“The Secret of the Color Blue”) 3rd: Ahmad Jaber (39), journalist and writer, Syria, for the piece Lam al-Shaml wa al- Nawm ‘ala Hulm al-’Awda (“Family Reunification and Sleeping on the Dream of Return”)

Research Paper

1st: Muna Nabulsi (28), school teacher, Jerusalem, for the study Mustajaddat Wad’a al-Laji’in Al-Filastininyin Fi-Al-Iraq (“Developments in the Case of Palestinian Refugees in Iraq”) and Maliha Al-Maslamani (31), Jerusalem, PhD candidate in fine arts in Cairo, for the study Haq al-Awda fi Karikateir Naji al-Ali (“The Right of Return in the Caricatures of Naji Al-Ali”)

Note: no second and third place was awarded for failure of papers to meet academic standards

38 1.4 Palestinian Strategy Forum conferences/workshops organized by like-minded groups and organizations: Activities Implemented • Al-Quds Law Clinic – workshop on the analysis of apartheid in the OPT as promoted by the out-going BADIL contributed to collective analysis, strategy- and UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the vision building by drafting legal analysis and strategic OPT, Prof. John Dugard (17 June) position papers and statements mainly for three broad • Conference on ‘The Right of Return and a Secular Palestinian civil society fora which include among Democratic State in Palestine’ organized by a group their members all the major unions, associations, of Jewish and Palestinian activists (Haifa, 21-22 NGOs and political groups which form the Palestinian June; over 200 participants) national movement in Palestine and abroad: • Zochrot Conference – ‘Return of the Refugees: Practices, Strategies and Visions’ (Tel Aviv, 22 – 24 Boycott National Committee/BDS Campaign (BNC): June; 300 participants) BADIL took the lead in drafting the BNC strategic position paper “United against Apartheid, Colonialism Challenges, Problem, Solutions and Occupation – Dignity and Justice for the Palestinian People” for presentation to the Bilbao Civil Although sharing common principles and strategic Society Forum (29-31 October), broad, worldwide analysis, organized Palestinian civil society still lacks endorsement (29 November, UN Day of Solidarity clarity and consensus about the political vision of the with the Palestinian People), and intervention at the solution. Strategy debates are conducted by a multitude UN Durban Review Conference in 2009. of civil society actors, and no common platform exists for debate. National Committee/Nakba-60: BADIL presented a paper examining Palestinian refugees’ right of return Solution: building consensus about vision and in the context of a one-state and two-state model of strategies takes time; more of the same effort conflict resolution to a series of workshops convened will have impact over time. by the Committee in October. At the Committee’s Fourth National Conference to Defend the Right Palestinian grass-roots and popular opinion leaders of Return (Ramallah, 29 November 2008), BADIL speak of crimes committed by Israel against the facilitated the debate as well as drafting of the final Palestinian people and the idea of boycotts has become statement, which summarizes contemporary political popular especially in response to Israel’s massacres in analysis and strategic vision of the independent right Gaza. Still, large sectors of the Palestinian population of return movement. lack a good understanding of concepts, strategy and mechanisms of the civil society BDS campaign and/or Global Palestine Right of Return Coalition: BADIL do not believe that it can effect change. participated and contributed to the final statement of the Coalition’s extraordinary 2008 annual meeting Solution: redouble efforts to engage grass- in Damascus, 18 – 21 November. roots and popular opinion leaders in strategy debate; increase publication and dissemination In addition, BADIL presented at three strategy in Arabic.

2008 Badil Annual Report 39 (2) Outreach, Support- and Alliance-building

2.1 The Ongoing Nakba Education Center

BADIL launched the Ongoing-Nakba Education Center in 2008 in response to the growing demand for information tools and services in support of civil society campaigns. It involves improvement of BADIL space and quality and outreach of BADIL information tools and services, including:

• Public resource library and interactive exhibition and learning space • Print, audiovisual and online information tools (production and dissemination) • Information and networking services • Advertising and promotion

Activities Undertaken a) Development of Library and Interactive b) Information and Advocacy Tools (production, Exhibition and Learning Space dissemination)

Internal construction was completed on both office BADIL produced 25 new tools and 79 press releases. floors, and new space for the library and visitors are now BADIL information was sold or provided free of available. Basic furniture and equipment were installed. charge or against donations, based on orders received via the internet or from visitors. It was distributed Public (online) resource library: includes print, mainly via mailing lists to subscribers (al-majdal audiovisual and electronic resources for the study of magazine), as newspaper supplement (Haq al-Awda), past and current forced displacement of Palestinians, as bulk shipments to partners abroad, in handouts related political and legal theory, and Palestinian during public events, and via the National Committee/ memory. Development of the online library catalogue Nakba-60 and local CBO partners. continued (Library of Congress system; WINISIS program); over 2,500 print documents are listed while some periodicals and audiovisual materials are not yet Print Tools included. Two additional computers and desks were purchased for users. Nakba-60 Info Packet (English) Incl. fact-sheets, brochures, Q&A, map, CD and al- Interactive Exhibition and Learning Space: further Majdal Nakba-60 special furnishing and equipment was put on halt until a (April 2008, 3,500 copies) professional concept is developed for use and design Distribution: Shipments abroad based on bulk of space. orders: at least 1,500

40 Nakba-60 Special of This Week in Palestine (English) 2009 BADL desk calendar: The Ongoing Nakba Co-produced by BADIL and TWP based on (English and Arabic; November 2008; 3,000 the BADIL Nakba-60 Info Packet; incl. a copies) brochure announcing 80 events of Nakba-60 commemorations in Palestine and abroad (May 2008) 2007 BADIL Annual Report (144 pages, Arabic and Distribution: 10,000 copies by TWP; 500 copies English; 300 copies) by BADIL to visitors. Haq al-Awda magazine (Arabic) “60 Terms on the Nakba” (Arabic): a Palestinian ISSN 1814-9782 reader and dictionary about the Nakba with entries www.badil.org/Arabic-Web/haq-alawda/haq-alawda.htm produced by Palestinian refugee and IDP youth Vol. VI, issue nos.26, 27/28 and 29/30 in Palestine and in exile with expert supervision. th A co-production of BADIL, the Ibn Khaldoun Focus themes: Special issue BADIL’s 10 Center and the Aidoun Group - Lebanon (May anniversary: reflections on 2008, 84 pages; 10,000 copies) one decade of advocacy and Distribution: BADIL/2,000 copies; of them 1,000 campaigning for Palestinian shipped to Aidoun, Lebanon and Syria. refugee rights (January 2008, 34 pages); haq al-awda fi karikateir Naji al-Ali (The Right of Nakba-60, Mahmoud Darwish, Return in the Caricatures of Naji al-Ali, Arabic): Sabra and Shatilah (September 2008 Awda Award winning entry/research paper,by 2008, 36 pages); Maliha Maslamani; ISSN 1-10-339-9950-978 (40 International Solidarity pages, November 2008; 1,000 copies) with Palestine: priorities, responsibilities and tasks Oral History Testimonies – A Palestinian Reading (December 2008, 32 pages). of Displacement: 2007 Awda Award winning Number of 50,000 per issue entries (Arabic) copies: al-Haram – Sa’idna Ali by Rasha Abu Zaytoun Asdoud by Rashad al-Madani Distribution: 48,000 copies as newspaper al-Kafrayin by Maliha T’oama supplement (al-Ayyam, Ramallah; ISSN 8-11-339-9950-978 (98 pages, December al-Ittihad, Haifa; al-Fajr al-Jadeed, 2008; 1,000 copies) Nazareth); rest shipped/ distributed by BADIL in Palestine 2009 al-Awda Award Call for Entries, brochure and abroad. (Arabic, October 2008; 10,000 copies)

2008 Badil Annual Report 41 al-Majdal magazine (English) • Nakba-60 Campaign, incl. BADIL info-packet, ISSN 1726-7277 other resources, and announcements of some 190 www.badil.org/al-majdal/al-majdal.htm events organized in 2008 as part of worldwide Vol. IX, issue nos. 36/37, 38 and 39/40 Nakba-60 commemoration. • 2008 Al-Awda Award, including winning Focus themes: Nakba-60 special: “60 Years on: Honoring the Struggle for Justice submissions, photos and reports from the Awda- and Dignity”, including historical Award Festivals. overview and testimonies of • Some documents in other languages, in particular Palestinian refugees and IDPs in Spanish and Italian, were included. worldwide (Spring 2008, 88 pages) • In September, re-design and development of the BADIL website was started based on BDS-special: “Overcoming the Ongoing Nakba”, BDS and the a 10-month development plan that includes, global Anti-apartheid movement among others, design of a special page “The (Summer 2008, 136 p.); Ongoing Nakba” for documentation of ongoing forced displacement. Palestine’s Ongoing Nakba: 1948 – Gaza 2008 (Autumn 2008/ BADIL press releases: 79 (44/English, 35/ Winter 2009, 100 pages). Arabic) Number of 1,200 (regular issues) + 3,500 copies: (Nakba-60 special issue) DVDs (5 new, 8 reprints, 150 copies each); Distribution: Mailings to subscribers (640) distributed to Palestinian TV stations for broadcast Special mailings upon bulk orders: during Nakba-60 commemorations: 1,305 Nakba-60 special. New: Highlights of the 2008 al-Awda Award (Arabic); Electronic Tools and Services Four short films, winners of the 2008 Awda- Award (Arabic); Electronic information was provided on the BADIL Reprints: website and via E-mail lists in English (2,197 Four short films, winners of the 2007 Awda subscribers) and Arabic (several hundred subscribers). Award (Arabic); Youm Ilak Youm Aleik - Palestinian Refugees www.badil.org (English and Arabic): In 2008, from Jerusalem 1948 (BADIL 1998, English BADIL’s website registered 38,500 page loads and Arabic; (32,500 unique visitors), with peak numbers Experiencing Return – Palestinian Refugees recorded in April-May; most users came from Studying the Case of Bosnia (BADIL 2002, Palestine (Israel and OPT), France, Spain and Arab Arabic); countries. Special web-pages published: Salt of the Earth (BADIL 2007, Arabic).

42 Tools for the Global Palestine Right of Return c) Information and Networking Services Coalition In the first half of 2008, BADIL was transformed Report, 8th Annual Coordination Meeting, into an information “clearing house” on the Nakba. Uppsala, Sweden, 1 – 4 November 2007 (Arabic During preparation of the worldwide calendar of and English, 78 pages; October 2008; 500 Nakba-60 events, BADIL networked with some 120 copies) organizations and initiatives abroad, mainly in the www.rorcoalition.org : maintained on behalf of United States (19), Canada (16), Lebanon (15), , the Coalition England and Scotland (12 each), Chile and Germany (7 each), Australia, Belgium, Greece, the United Arab Campaign Tools for the National Committee/ Emirates and elsewhere. Networking is ongoing with Nakba-60 the European Coordinating Committee on Palestine (ECCP), the International Coordinating Network on Brochure: “60 Years of the Palestinian Palestine (ICNP), and for the BDS Campaign. Nakba” (Arabic): writing and design by BADIL; 300,000 copies printed and BADIL assisted, briefed and/or organized field visits in disseminated by the Committee, including in Palestine for at least 1,300 persons; coordination and public schools based on approval by the PA cooperation was maintained with official Palestinian Ministry of Education. institutions, in particular the PLO Department on Refugee Affairs (DORA), the Negotiations Support Unit (NSU) Nakba-60 poster (Arabic and English): winner and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). of the BADIL al-Awda Award; design/finishing by BADIL and printed by the Committee. Tens of thousands of copies were disseminated locally d) Advertisement and Promotion and abroad. • BADIL articles, mainly from the English-language Nakba-60 T-shirt (Arabic and English): design quarterly al-Majdal, were re-published among by BADIL, based on the Nakba-60 poster; others, by The Electronic Intifada, Znet, the 40,000 T-shirts distributed by the Committee and Palestine Chronicle, Palestine Remembered, This BADIL. Week in Palestine.

Nakba-60 Press Release Series, 8 – 15 May • The Nakba-60 info packet and al-Majdal magazine (English): produced and disseminated on daily were advertized in in INAMO, no. 54 (Germany); basis jointly by BADIL and the Anti-Apartheid based on an agreement with This Week in Palestine, Wall Campaign on behalf of the National BADIL published articles and advertisements in Committee. TWP on a bi-monthly basis from August 2008 onwards.

2008 Badil Annual Report 43 • 2009 al-Awda Award Call for Entries (November 2008): electronic advertisement on MA’AN News (5 months), Kol al-Arab (3 months); print advertisement in al-Quds and al-Ayyam dailies (twice/week for 15 weeks). Visitors to BADIL in 2008 At least 1,300 visitors were briefed: • BADIL publications and Awda-Award posters were exhibited at a Nakba-60 poster and book Members of the diplomatic and development community, exhibition, Bethlehem University (13 May). including the South African Representative Office, Swiss Based on an agreement made in the second half Development Cooperation and the US Consulate. of the year with the Abu Ghosh Publishing and Approximately 70 fact-finding and study groups, as well Distributing Company, BADIL exhibited at the as individuals, among them parliamentarians, unionists, following international and domestic book-fairs: school and university students, scouts, lawyers, university teachers, journalists, film makers, a.o., from - al-Sharqa International Book-fair, United Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, the OPT, Spain, Switzerland, U.K Emirates, 28 October - 7 November; and the United Sates. These groups were organized - Palestine International Book-fair, Ramallah, 13– by: AFB-Belgian Action Platform, ATG, Birthright 23 November; Unplugged, CPT, EAPPI, Guiding Star, ICAHD, MCC, - Beirut International Book-fair (in cooperation MECA, the Norwegian Social Workers Union, Oxfam with Aidoun-Lebanon), 13 - 27 December. Solidarity, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (UK), the Presbytarian Church, Sabeel, Sodepaz, Trocaire, students of the Universities of Haifa and Jerusalem • In mid-2008, BADIL’s al-Majdal magazine became (Hebrew University), the Universities of al-Quds and available at the Ju’beh bookstore, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, Zochrot, a.o.; the Educational Bookshop, Jerusalem. By the end Participants in seminars and workshops organized in of the year, it was also available at the Toronto Palestine by the Bil’in Committee and Sabeel; Women’s Bookstore, Toronto, Canada, and the Xarra community Bookstore, Johannesburg, Consultants/staff of Palestinian and international NGOs/ South Africa. agencies, among them: Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, AIDA-Association of INGOs in Palestine; AHRF-Arab Human Rights Foundation, Broederlijk Delen, CISDE, COHRE, Crisis in Action, Danchurch Aid, FAFO, Hecks/ EPER, ICCO, IDMC, International Rescue Committee, Norwegian Refugee Council, NPA, OHCHR, Oxfam International, Oxfam Quebec, Oxfam Solidarity, Save the Children-U.K., UNRWA.

44 2.2 Participation in International Challenges, Problem, Solutions Networking Conferences and Meetings Shortage of staff (two vacancies) in the Resource BADIL and members of the Legal Support Network- Unit, and shortage of cash-flow constituted the major LSN participated in 13 international networking events problems in the first half of 2008, and production of which helped build support for the BADIL research several information/advocacy tools and improvement and campaign strategy: of electronic information services (in particular in Arabic) had to be postponed. This situation improved International Conference, “The Palestinian Refugees slightly in the second half, when one vacancy was in Iraq: Reality and Solutions”, organized by the al- staffed. Quds University and sponsored by IDRC, Canada (al- Quds University, March 22 – 23);

Palestinian library conference organized by the Palestinian Librarian Association and the Ramallah Center for Human Rights (Ramallah, 31 March – 2 April);

Seminar on Critical Theory of Internal Displacement, Oxford University, Center for Refugee Studies (30 June – 1 July);

The Third World Social Forum on Forced Migration, with focus on Palestinian refugees (Spain, 11 – 14 September);

Legal Seminar “Making Monitoring Work; Re- inforcing International Law in Europe, organized by Diakonia and al-Haq (Brussels, 11 -14 September);

Bilbao Civil Society Forum for Justice in Palestine, and launching of the Bilbao Initiative; organized by Mewando, BNC/PNGO and Ittijah (Bilbao, 29 – 31 Photo: The Ongoing Nakba Education Center, October); including a resource library, was launched in 2008 as BADIL`s response to the growing public Sabeel Conference “The Nakba: Memory, Reality demand for information services. and Beyond” (Galilee and Bethlehem, 12-19 Briefing of visiting health and human rights November); activists. © Badil

2008 Badil Annual Report 45 (3) Research, Mobilization & Intervention with Duty Bearers

3.1 Research Apartheid to Israel’s Regime over the Palestinian People (English): research resumed and in progress Activities Undertaken Working Paper: The Relevance for the Palestinian Research was undertaken for legal advocacy statements People of the UN Declaration on the Rights of and reports to UN mechanisms agencies (e.g. Human Indigenous Peoples (English): draft prepared Rights Council, UNHCR), for position papers and by intern; on halt. statements issued in the context of civil society campaigns, and for BADIL studies/working papers in Working Paper: Universal Jurisdiction and the progress: case of Palestinian refugees (English): advanced draft available; to be discussed further. Arabic-language edition of the 2005 BADIL Handbook on Protection of Palestinian Refugees in States Signatories of the 1951 Refugee Challenges, Problems, Solutions Convention (English original: 488 pages): in the print shop Shortage of staff caused delays in research production in the first half of the year. It also had a negative Pilot Study/Working Paper: Ending Forced effect on BADIL’s ability to supervise and manage Displacement in the OPT - Response Assessment external research authors/publishers who do not abide to Situations of Internal Displacement in the OPT by contractual deadlines or are unable to complete by Karine Mac Allister (English): manuscript research in line with the agreed-upon standards (list ready for layout and print on record with BADIL).

Rights in Principle, Rights in Practice: a reader from Follow-up of research work improved in the second 2003 – 2004 BADIL expert seminars revisiting the half of the year when some vacancies were staffed. role of international in crafting durable solutions It has become clear, however, that BADIL will for Palestinian refugees. English original: waiting lack capacity for in-house research production, in for author to send final revised manuscript. particular in English language, even when staff will Arabic edition: translation in progress. be complete.

BADIL Handbook on Durable Solutions for Solutions: Make temporary contracts with Palestinian Refugees and IDPs (English):Research suitable external research authors; adapt BADIL resumed and in progress. research plan to the level of skills and capacity available in the organization (i.e. accept that Working Paper: The Applicability of the Crime of production will be slower than in the past).

46 3.2 Facilitation of Community-based with Shepherds TV and local CBOs: arts and culture Actions and Civil Society Campaigns festival for children marking the start of the new school year, 5 – 17 August. Activities Undertaken Society for Social Development, Jalazoun camp: a) Facilitation of the Nakba-60 Campaign story telling across generations, 29 October; 100 children participants. BADIL is a member of the National Committee/ Nakba-60 and has provided much logistic support to Yaffa Cultural Center, Balata camp: networking its activities throughout the entire year. meetings among CBOs in the northern West Bank (Nablus, Toubas, Jenin, Tulkarem, Qalqilya), 6 In addition, BADIL provided small-scale operational November – 20 December. support (mainly communication) to CBOs providing field coordinationin the West Bank and Gaza Strip (Yafa Popular Committee Izbat al-Tabib: public debate Cultural Center, Union of Youth Activity Centers). “refugee rights in the shadow of political division”, 30 December, 100 participants. Small financial support was also provided to the following 19 community initiatives: Yaffa Cultural Center, Balata camp: youth training program with graduates from BADIL Youth Nakba-60 Campaign Education and Activation a.o. in the northern West Bank; 40 youth trainees; December 2008 – end Al-Doha Children’s Cultural Center: “Right of Return June 2009 International Art Festival”, 29 – 31 May; the festival included satellite-transmitted poetry and songs by Youth Activity Center, al-Far’a camp: six-month renowned Palestinian and other Arab artists abroad soccer training for 25 youth, 15 December 2008 (e.g. Sameeh Shkeir, from Amman). It was held in – 15 June 2009. Bethlehem University amphitheater and attracted an audience of some 5,000 mainly young people. CBO summer camps

Sourif Cultural Forum: Nakba-60 awareness- Al-Awda Children’s Club/Haifa Cultural Center, raising day, 16 May; including workshops and Tulkarem camp, 1 – 7 July: summer camp for 120 photo exhibition. children (90 of them girls) at the UNRWA school.

Creative Art and Culture Society, Deir al-Balah, Palestinian Progressive Youth Union, Arroub camp: Gaza; wall painting, 29 May; 300 participants, summer camp (10 – 25 June) for 120 children (half young and old. of them girls) at the UNRWA boys school.

Handala Children’s Center, Azza camp, Bethlehem, Refugee Affairs Committee-Salfit/Rafat village:

2008 Badil Annual Report 47 summer camp (30 July – 15 August) for 100 children b) Facilitation of the Palestinian Civil Society (half of them girls) at the UNRWA girls school. BDS Campaign

Refugee Affairs Committee-Salfit: summer camp (18 BADIL contributed to the establishment of the BNC- – 28 July) at the “white house” for 100 children. National Committee/BDS Campaign in early 2008 and is a member of its Secretariat. BADIL staff supports National Charitable Society, Dheisha camp: the BDS website www.bdsmovement.net as part of summer camp (1 – 31 July) at the UNRWA boys the global web-team and oversight committee and school for 100 children. offers logistic assistance, including drafting of BNC documents and statements, organizing, networking Local Committee for the Rehabiliation of the and outreach support. Disabled, Dheisha camp: summer camp (16 – 31 July) for 150 children (including 70 girls) at the community center. Challenges, Problems, Solutions

Ansar Center, al-Walajeh: summer camp (14 – 29 Effective implementation of community-based June) for 55 children (including 25 girls) at the public actions and civil society campaigns in the community center. OPT was impeded by the precarious humanitarian situation and loss of political direction, in particular Emergency assistance to CBOs in the segregated Gaza Strip, where these were compounded with a lack of physical security and Tawassul Society, Nusseirat camp, Gaza: extreme forms of oppression. BADIL has no purchase of 25 school bags including note books, immediate solution. pencils, crayons, rulers, and a pair of pants for the youth involved in BADIL Youth Education and Palestinian public confidence in the effectiveness of Activation (compensation for exclusion from the the BDS Campaign has remained low and community 2008 summer camp in Beit Jala). actions for the right of return have a routine and ceremonial character. Tawassul Society, Nusseirat camp, Gaza: financial support to the 30 families of the children involved Solutions: see (1) above, in particular point 4. in BADIL Youth Education and Activation (re-allocation of funds initially designated for Many Western civil society organizations, including Nakba-60 soccer competition), December 2008. large NGOs with programs in the OPT, understand and often support the Palestinian civil society campaigns Palestinian Boys and Girls’ Scouts Association (al- (Nakba-60 Campaign, BDS Campaign), but continue Qadesiya), al-Far’a camp: contribution to repair of to issue “balanced statements” or remain silent on the Association building, December 2008. Israel’s war crimes, accountability and the right of

48 return, because of perceived political and economic 3.3 Special Media & Public Outreach risks for their organizations. Activities

Solution: sustained and concerted explaining and lobbying by Palestinian civil society; Activities Undertaken encourage collective decision-making and action by western civil society organizations, in a) Special Media Projects order to reduce vulnerability. • Media Promotion of the 2008 al-Awda Award, including: three-month-long announcement/ advertisement of the 2008 BADIL call for entries in the Palestinian media in the OPT and in Israel, promotion among journalists (request for interview opportunities) and live satellite broadcast from the 2008 Award Festival in Ramallah (BADIL, MA’AN News Network and Palestine TV, 3 May).

• Nakba-60 Open TV Studio: live 11-hour satellite broadcast from the Al-Awda Camp, Ramallah, with links to interview partners in 7 studios located in Gaza, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Beirut, Damascus, Amman and Cairo, giving publicity to the official opening of the Nakba-60 commemorations and the Return March of the internally displaced Palestinians in Israel (BADIL and MA’AN News Network in cooperation with Palestine TV, 8 March).

• Radio Free Palestine: 18 Hours of Broadcasting on 60 Years of Dispossession: worldwide radio broadcast of pre-recorded interviews with Palestinian refugees and IDPs and live reports from the Nakba memorial rally in Ramallah, Palestine (IMEMC in cooperation with BADIL and 11 community radio stations in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.)

Photo: PA prime minister Salam Fayad assures the Palestinian public that his government is committment to a «just solution for the Palestinian refugees in accordance with UN Resolution 194» in an interview given at the Nakba-60 Open TV Sudio. Al-Awda Camp, Ramallah, May 2008. © Wafa

2008 Badil Annual Report 49 b) Interviews Challenges, Problems, Solutions

In 2008, BADIL staff gave at least 40 interviews, BADIL is still far from having exploited to its full most of them (30) to Palestinian radio and TV stations potential public/media outreach opportunities, and community radios/alternative press agencies in including with mainstream Arab and foreign media. Canada, Catalonia, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Useful recommendations were gathered during BADIL the United States. At least 10 interviews were given speaking tours abroad (e.g. more speaking tours, to mainstream press in the U.S. and Belgium during preparation of information tools in various languages, speaking tours, BBC radio, and to filmmakers, broader dissemination) and more systematic use can including a documentary about the Nakba produced be made of media contacts and opportunities available by al-Jazeera TV. in Palestine. c) Speaking Tours in the United States, Belgium Solution: complete BADIL staffing; recruit and Spain volunteers for preparation of foreign language information/advocacy tools based on BADIL • BADIL-Zochrot speaking tour “Acknowledging the resources; prepare a new strategic plan for Past; Imagining the Future: Palestinians and Israelis public/media outreach. on 1948 and the Right of Return” (sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), 23 March – 8 April): over 30 public lectures and meetings, mainly with Jewish audience, in major US cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, BADIL in the Media Seattle, New York. Hightened media interest in the Palestinian Nakba, • BADIL-Zochrot Nakba-60 speaking tour in Belgium as well as special media outreach efforts undertaken (sponsored by Oxfam Solidarity and the Belgian by BADIL and partners, have led to some increase in coverage of BADIL’s activities and message in 2008, Action Platform on Palestine, April 10 – 18): 21 including by some mainstream Arab and western media. lectures and meetings with interested public, Thus, for example, BADIL featured prominently in Nakba high school students, NGO activists, trade union documentary series broadcast by al-Jazeera TV (Arabic) members and parliamentarians. and the German ARD. Some Belgian dailies (e.g. De Morgen) and local U.S. press published reports and interviews about the BADIL-Zochrot speaking tours. At • BNC speaking tour for promotion of the BDS- the same time, however, local Palestinian media, al- Campaign and Bilbao Initiative in Spain, including Jazeera.net (Arabic), and specialized professional and Barcelona and Mallorca (sponsored by ACSUR, activist electronic outlets (e.g. UN ReliefWeb, Electronic Nova and several other NGOs in Catalonia, 25 – 30 Intifada, NGO websites and activist blogs) have remained November): lectures and meetings with unionists, the main forum for BADIL information. parliamentarians, student and NGO activists.

50 3.4 Legal Advocacy and Intervention were again absorbed by the emergency response in Gaza.

Activities Undertaken Technical Working Group to the Palestinian National Committee on the UN Register of Damages a) UN agencies and international community in (UNROD): As a member of the Technical WG, the OPT BADIL briefed the head of board of the Vienna- based UNROD (12 April). UNROD launched pilot Forced Displacement Working Group (DWG): registration in two study cases in 2008 but has not yet In response to awarenes-raising and advocacy become operational: no Palestinian has been able to the international humanitarian and human rights register any damages caused by Israel’s illegal Wall, community in the OPT recognized the ongoing irrespective of the ICJ opinion and General Assembly phenomenon of forced displacement of Palestinians resolution from 2004. in the OPT. The DWG was formed in March 2008 with the aim to develop an effective rights-based b) UNHCR collaborative protection response in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles Internal Displacement. BADIL participated in the 2008 UNHCR NGO BADIL chaired the DWG on an interim basis (March consultations (25 – 28 June, Geneva) and ensured that to June), until OCHA was able to take the lead. The the joint NGO statement to the UNHCR Executive DWG is composed of over 50 local (Palestinian and Committee included – as in the past - reference to Israeli) NGOs, INGOs and UN agencies, including the right of Palestinian refugees to durable solutions, OHCHR, UNRWA, UNICEF and UNIFEM. ICRC including return to their homes and properties. participates as an observer. Consultations about strategies for protection of Palestinian refugees in/from Iraq were undertaken As chair/member of the DWG, BADIL contributed to: with the UNCHR Department for and North Africa (MENA) and INGOs. BADIL was able to • drafting of action plans for emergency response, intervene and assist UNHCR with protection of some research, legal assistance and advocacy to be Palestinian refugees from Iraq who were detained on operational by 2009; their flight across borders. • briefings of UN agencies, donors and policy makers, including: OCHA Protection Cluster meetings, c) Human Rights Council (HRC), OHCHR the PA Ministry on Social Affairs, UNRWA, EU donors (“Friday Group”, 13 June) and the BADIL presented written and/or oral statements at all diplomatic community (22 October); 2008 HRC sessions. BADIL called upon UN member • written contributions on forced displacement to states to: address Israel’s policy of forced population OCHA’s monthly Humanitarian Monitor. transfer and the nature of its colonial apartheid regime; take measures, including sanctions, against Israel; and, Preparations of new response plans came to a halt at the protect the rights of return and restitution of Palestinian end of the year, when all capacities of DWG members refugees and IDPs sixty years after the Nakba of 1948.

2008 Badil Annual Report 51 Universal Periodical Review (UPR) of Israel Other Arabs in the Occupied Territories, BADIL (Human Rights Council, Geneva, 4-8 December): highlighted Israel’s regime of institutionalized racial BADIL led the drafting of a joint NGO report that discrimination, the ongoing forced displacement of highlights Israel’s regime of institutionalized racial Palestinians in the OPT, and the urgency of practical discrimination as a root cause for the ongoing forced measures, including in-depth study of and diplomatic displacement of Palestinians (BADIL, Anti-Apartheid sanctions against the State of Israel by UN members Wall Campaign, Arab Human Rights Association, states. ADRID, HIC-Housing and Land Rights Network, Zochrot, ITTIJAH). BADIL was present during the BADIL-LSN members intervened as expert speakers UPR in Geneva and presented its report jointly with at two UN conferences organized under the auspices Adalah in two side-events (inside and outside the UN). of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Some 50 states asked Israel many questions, but no Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People: substantial results came from the December sessions. The UPR, conceived as a major procedure for • International Conference on Palestine Refugees peer review of state compliance with international (UNESCO, Paris, 29 – 30 April) human rights law, was unable to detect the pattern • Conference on 60 years of Palestinian ‘refugeehood’ of gross and systematic human rights violations that (UNHQ, New York, June 20) would trigger Israel’s military assault on the occupied and besieged Palestnian population in the Gaza Strip e) Palestinian leadership and the diplomatic only two weeks later. The Human Rights Council is community yet to consider the findings of the UPR of Israel in March 2009. Open Letter to President Mahmoud Abbas: “The Rights of Palestinian Refugees and the Final Status BADIL raised awareness of the 60th anniversary of the Negotiations”, endorsed by 78 Palestinian refugee Nakba and Palestinian refugee’s right to return at the community organizations and NGOs, including UN Conference – 60 Years of Universal Declaration BADIL (25 September); of Human Rights hosted in Paris by UNESCO (3 – 5 September 08). Open Letter to the EU: “No New EU-Israel Action BADIL also participated in consultations and meetings Plan in April 2009!”, 100 European Organizations towards the UN Durban Review Conference (April Join the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and 2009) and advocated – without much success – for Sanctions National Committee (BNC) in Opposing rights-based drafting language and timely preparations EU-Israel Association Agreement Upgrade and Call of an NGO Forum by the United Nations. for Suspension of the Agreement (9 July). d) General Assembly BADIL and members of the Legal Support Network briefed the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, In a written testimony (30 June) to the UN Special the U.S. State Department and advisers of the U.S. Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting presidential candidates and promoted a rights-based the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and approach to the Palestinian refugee issue.

52 BADIL also briefed Danish politicians and diplomats and advocated for a rights-based approach at “Israel and Palestinian NGOs Contribution to Peace and Reconciliation”, a conference organized by the Mandela Center in cooperation with the newspaper Politiken, Copenhagen, 1 November; and, participated in lobbying EU members of parliament in cooperation with the European Coordinating Committee of NGOs for Palestine (ECCP), 3-4 November.

Challenges, Problems, Solutions

Palestinian NGOs like BADIL that work/intervene for effective and rights-based responses with international humanitarian, human rights and development agencies and organizations in the OPT, face numerous challenges, including: high staff-turnover in international organizations and agencies; lack of institutional memory; narrow interpretation of organizational mandates; lack of understanding and/or interest in the specific context of the conflict; prejudice against Arab and Islamic culture; naivitee and expectation of “good faith” treatment by Israeli authorities; lack of personal courage and fear for professional careers and/or “brand-risks” for organizations, a. o.

NGO work among human rights mechanisms at UN headquarters abroad faces similar challenges. Additional obstacles are added as a result of the political agenda of UN member states and the current Palestine delegation; all of them succumb to US pressure and avoid root causes of and Israeli accountability for systematic violations of international law.

BADIL has no immediate solutions other than a sustained effort at explaining and building strong, principled and broad civil society campaigns that can exert pressure.

2008 Badil Annual Report 53 Photo: The `World`s Largets Key` symbolizing Palestinian determination to return at the entrance to the Aida . Nakba-60 commemoration, Bethlehem, May 2008. © Wafa

54 Part IV

External Audit Report

Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements

December 31, 2008

Table of Contents

Auditor’s Report 56-57 Statement of Financial Position 58 Statement of Activities 59 Statement of Changes in Net Assets 60 Statement of Cash Flows 61 Statement of functional expenses 62 Notes to Financial Statements 63-70

2008 Badil Annual Report 55 Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Directors Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights Bethlehem

Report on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights (Badil) (Not for Profit Entity), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2008, statement of activities and changes in net assets and cash flows statement for the year then ended and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.

Management’s responsibility for the financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Statement on Financial Accounting Standards No. 117 “Financial Statements of Not-For-Profit Organizations”. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

56 An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Center’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Center’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Badil Center as of 31 December 2008, its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Statement on Financial Accounting Standards No. 117 “Financial Statements of Not-For-Profit Organizations”.

2008 Badil Annual Report 57 Statement - A

See Notes to Financial Statements

58 Statement - B

See Notes to Financial Statements

2008 Badil Annual Report 59 60 2008 Badil Annual Report 61 62 Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2008

1- Background:

BADIL was established in January 1998 to support the development of a popular refugee lobby for the right of return through professional research and partnership-based community initiatives. The center is registered with the Palestinian Authority.

BADIL actively encourages voluntary participation of grassroots activists, local and international experts, and regional and international partners based on the vision of BADIL as a community-based organization.

BADIL`s work is guided by a Board, elected from the General Assembly which is composed of activists in the Palestinian refugee community organizations and national institutions, and supervised by an elected Oversight Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for ongoing supervision, monitoring and adaptation of the regular program.

2- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Statement on Financial Accounting Standards No. 117 “Financial Statements of Not-For-Profit Organizations.”

2.1 Adoption of New and Revised International Financial Reporting Standards:

The International Accounting Standards Board issued amendments to International Accounting Standards and issued new Financial Reporting Standards which have become effective January 1, 2007. This includes International Financial Reporting Standard No. 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures) which replaces IAS No. 30 and certain disclosure provisions in IAS No. 32 (Financial Instruments– Presentation and Disclosure) (effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007). The Center has applied the revised IFRS and related amendments and there was no impact on the financial statements of the Center.

2.2 BADIL maintains its accounts in accordance with the principles of fund accounting under which the resources are classified as described below: • Unrestricted net assets represent net assets whose use by BADIL is not subject to donor- imposed restrictions. • Temporarily restricted net assets whose use by BADIL is limited by donor-imposed and restriction that either expire by passage of time or can be fulfilled and released by actions of BADIL pursuant to those donor-imposed stipulations.

2.3 Contributions and grants, revenues from private grants and contract agreements are recognized as it is earned through expenditures in accordance with the agreements. Any funding received in advance of expenditures is recorded as temporarily restricted net assets in the statement of financial position.

2.4 Contributions Receivable represents amounts due from funding organizations for expenditures incurred prior to receiving funds.

2008 Badil Annual Report 63 2.5 Estimates and assumptions: The financial statements include certain estimates and assumptions made by management relating to reporting of assets, liabilities, at the date of the financial statement, and the reporting of revenues, expenses, gains, and losses during the year. Actual results may differ from those estimates adopted by BADIL’s management. Estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements are the useful lives of fixed assets and all of other provisions.

2.6 Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and deposits with banks with maturity dates of 90 days or less

2.7 Fixed Assets Fixed Assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets at rates ranging between 6% - 33%.

When the expected recoverable amount is less than the net book value, of the fixed assets amount is reduced to the lower of the cost or net realizable value and the difference (if any) is included in the statement of activities.

The useful lives of fixed assets are reviewed at the end of each year. In case the expected useful life is different from what was determined before, the change in estimate is recorded in the following years, being as a change in estimate. The fixed assets are disposed off when there is no expected future benefit from the use of that asset.

2.8 Severance pay Badil provides for severance pay by accruing for one month compensation for each year of service based on the last salary paid during the year.

2.9 Provident fund Badil has a defined provident fund plan, which covers all salaried employees. The participation of the Center and the employees are as follows: Badil share Employee share First year 0% 0% Second year 4% 2% Third year 6% 3% Fourth year 8% 4% Fifth Year 10 5%

2.10 Foreign currency transactions

The books of accounts of the Center are maintained in Euro. Transactions and balances in currencies other than EURO were translated to EURO equivalent as follows:

• Transactions which are denominated in EURO, have been presented in the financial statements at the actual amount received or paid in EURO. • Transactions incurred in currencies other than EURO were converted to EURO equivalent at the spot exchange rate of those currencies to EURO. • Balances of assets (other than fixed assets) and liabilities, which are denominated in USD or NIS, are presented in the financial statements according to the representative rate of exchange rate prevailing on December 31 which were as follows: 31/12/2008 31/12/2007 US Dollar/Euro 0.787 0.678 NIS/Euro 0.187 0.177

• Fixed assets and depreciation are stated at historical rates. • Exchange differences resulted from the translation are reflected in the statement of activities.

64 3- Cash on hand and deposits with banks:

Composition as at 31 December:

2008 2007 EURO EURO Cash on hand 563 427 Deposits with banks-Israeli Shekel 2,524 1,205 Deposits with banks–Euro 187,453 10,078 Deposits with banks-US Dollar 2,585 2,714 193,125 14,424 Deposits with banks restricted for staff benefits 99,966 85,644

4- Pledges receivable and other assets:

2008 2007 EURO EURO Pledges receivable: NLG Foundation 1,574 -- Norwegian People’s Aid 10,397 -- Welfare Association 7,872 Political Division MFA Switzerland -- 3,790 Stichtling Vluchtling -- 3,000 Oxfam Solidarity -- 7,142 Catalan Cooperation Fund (via Ciemen) -- 2,255 Catalan Agency for International Development (via Ciemen/ Special) 5,530 3,550 Down payment * -- 25,759 Others -- 2,478 25,373 47,974

* In 2006 and 2007, Badil has paid an amount of Euro 25,759 as down payment for acquisition of additional library space out of the agreed upon price of US$ 78,750 (equivalent to Euro 57,041). During 2008, Badil had settled Euro 39.132 out of the cost and the ownership of the flat was transferred to the Center.

5- Fixed assets:

Composition:

2008 2007 EURO EURO Office equipment and furniture 88,645 77,967 Flats-Buildings 152,147 95,107 Total fixed assets 240,792 173,074 Accumulated depreciation (75,825) (59,860) Total 164,967 113,214

2008 Badil Annual Report 65 6- Reserve for staff benefits Activities in this account are as detailed below: 2008 2007 Severance Provident Severance Provident Pay Fund Pay Fund EURO EURO EURO EURO

Balance at beginning of year 78,749 38,051 67,709 22,556 Provisions for the year 12,350 13,986 11,040 15,495 Payments during the year (11,270) (7,644) -- -- Balance at end of year **79,829 44,393 **78,749 38,051 Total 124,222 116,800

** The balance of the deposit earmarked to fund the liabilities toward staff benefits as of 31 December 2008 was Euro 99,966 in comparison with the balance of liability (severance Pay and Provident Fund) in the amount of EURO 124,222.

7- Operation Expenses 2008 EURO Office Supplies 8,168 Office Equipment Maintenance 7,722 Communication 5,206 Stationary 2,663 Audit fees 4,414 Bank charges, Currency Exchange Losses & gains 8,287 36,460

8- Youth Education Activation 2008 EURO Annual Facilitation fees (12 orgs) 33,160 Central summer camp 16,676 Transport, Travel, Accommodation 4,122 Training Tools 2,283 56,241

9- Al Awda Award 2008 EURO 16 awards 9,494 Promotion 6,996 Rent Facilities, hospitality, transportation 4,323 Fees, selection committee members 6,500 27,313

10- Support Community Initiatives/Campaigns 2008 EURO Coordination 16,463 Initiatives 8,612 Nakba 60 / Special project 35,605 Posters, stickers, T-shirts, audiovisuals 16,456 77,135

66 2008 Badil Annual Report 67 12- Comparative Figures:

Certain comparative figures were reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

13- Financial instruments, fair values and risks management:

• Operational Risk

The costs of the programs, administrative expenses as well as cost of fixed assets are significantly financed by donors through donations. The management believes that the funding level in the year 2009 will be sufficient to finance all of its disbursements and will be consistent with the level of funding in the prior years. Furthermore, the management believes that the political and economical conditions prevailing in the area will not materially affect its operations.

• Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities:

The carrying book value of financial assets and liabilities are not materially different from their fair values at the date of the financial statements.

• Credit Risk:

BADIL credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid funds and receivables. The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because liquid assets are placed with reputable financial institutions.

• Interest Rate Risk

BADIL interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in market interest rates may affect the value of its interest bearing assets. The management of BADIL usually monitors the fluctuation in interest rates in every individual currency in order to maximize the benefits from placements.

• Currency Risk:

Currency risk arises from the possibility that changes in the exchange rates may affect negatively the value of the financial assets and liabilities in case BADIL does not hedge its currency exposure by means of hedging instruments. The management usually distributes its liquid assets over its functional currencies to minimize any possible loss from currency rates fluctuation.

68 2008 Badil Annual Report 69 70 Annex 1

BADIL in Palestinian Civil Society Coalitions 2008

National Committee Nakba-60

National and Islamic Forces, High National Committee for the Defense of the Right of Return, PLO Department of Refugee Affairs, Palestine Right-of-Return Coalition, Consortium of Residents of Displaced Palestinian Villages and Towns, Executive Bureau for Refugees, Union of Youth Activity Centers-Palestine Refugee Camps, Anti- Apartheid Wall Campaign, Union of Women’s Centers-West Bank Refugee Camps, Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO), Committee for Political Awareness and Guidance, Right of Return Committees-West Bank, ITTIJAH- Association of Arab Community Organizations, Popular Coalition for the Defense of Jerusalem, Arab Human Rights Association, Palestinian Lawyers’ Union, Society for the Defense of the Internally Displaced (ADRID), Palestinian Vision-Jerusalem, and others.

BNC – The Palestian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee

Council of Council of National and Islamic Forces in Palestine (including all Palestinian political parties); Global Palestine Right of Return Coalition; General Union of Palestinian Workers; Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU); General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW); Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network; ITTIJAH - Union of Arab Community Based Associations; Independent Federation of Unions – Palestine (IFU); Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU); Occupied Palestine and Golan Heights Advocacy Initiative; Grassroots Palestinian Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign; Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI); National Committee for the Commemoration of the Nakba; Civil Coalition for Defending the Palestinians’ Rights in Jerusalem (CCDPRJ); Coalition for Jerusalem; Union of Palestinian Charitable Organizations; Palestinian Economic Monitor.

The Global Palestine Right-of-Return Coalition

Aidun Group-Lebanon; Aidun Group-Syria; ADRID; Al-Awda Committee-Chile; Al-Awda Palestine Right-to- Return Coalition/North America; Al-Awda Committee-Canada; BADIL; Committee for the Defense of Palestinian Refugee Rights and Yafa Cultural Center (Nablus); Consortium of Inhabitants of 1948 Occupied and Destroyed Villages and Towns-Ramallah; Coordination Forum of NGOs Working among the Palestinian Community in Lebanon; Palestine Right-of-Return Confederation-Europe; Popular Committees-West Bank; Popular Committees- Gaza Strip; Union of Youth Activity Centers-Palestine Refugee Camps; and, Union of Women’s Centers-West Bank Refugee Camps.

2008 Badil Annual Report 71 Annex 2

List of BADIL tools and publications 2008 © B a d i l

Magazines

Haq al-Awda Arabic language bi-monthly, ISSN 1814-9782 Vol. VI, issues no. 26, 27/28, 29/30

al-Majdal English-language quarterly, ISSN 1726-7277 Vol. X, issue nos. 36/37 (Nakba-60 special), 38 (BDS-special), 39/40 (Ongoing Nakba)

Information and literature for the broad public

Nakba-60 Special of This Week in Palestine (English) Co-produced by BADIL and TWP, incl. brochure announcing 80 events of Nakba-60 commemorations in Palestine and abroad (May 2008)

“60 Terms on the Nakba” (Arabic) A Palestinian reader and dictionary about the Nakba with entries produced by Palestinian refugee and IDP youth in Palestine and in exile with expert supervision. A co-production of BADIL, the Ibn Khaldoun Center and the Aidoun Group - Lebanon (May 2008, 84 pages)

Research Paper by Maliha Maslamani, haq al-awda fi karikateir Naji al-Ali (The Right of Return in the Caricatures of Naji al-Ali; Arabic); winning entry, 2008 al-Awda Award; ISSN 1-10-339-9950-978 (November 2008, 40 pages)

Oral History Testimonies – A Palestinian Reading of Displacement: winning entries of the 2007 al-Awda Award (Arabic): • al-Haram – Sa’idna Ali by Rasha Abu Zaytoun • Asdoud by Rashad al-Madani • al-Kafrayin by Maliha T’oama ISSN 8-11-339-9950-978 (December 2008, 98 pages)

72 BADIL press releases: 79 (44/English, 35/Arabic) www.badil.org (English and Arabic), with 2008 special web-pages: • Nakba-60 Campaign • 2008 Al-Awda Award • Selected documents in Spanish, Italian, French, Hebrew

Campaign Tools

Nakba-60 Info Packet (English) Incl. fact-sheets, brochures, Q&A, map, CD and al-Majdal Nakba-60 special (April 2008) Brochure: “60 Years of the Palestinian Nakba” (Arabic) Nakba-60 poster (Arabic and English) Nakba-60 T-shirt (Arabic and English) DVDs 5 new DVDs: Highlights of the 2008 al-Awda Award (Arabic); Four short films, winners of the 2008 Awda-Award (Arabic): • Abna’ Eilaboun (“Sons of Eilaboun”) • Lu’bat Yaffa (“The Yaffa Game”) • Fi Tafasil Qussah (“Details of a Story”) • Laji’ Ila Watani (“Refuge in my Homeland”) 8 reprints: • Four short films, winners of the 2007 Awda Award (Arabic) • Youm Ilak Youm Aleik - Palestinian Refugees from Jerusalem 1948 (BADIL 1998; English, Arabic) • Experiencing Return – Palestinian Refugees Studying the Case of Bosnia (BADIL 2002; Arabic) • Salt of the Earth (BADIL 2007; Arabic)

Promotion tools

2009 al-Awda Award Call for Entries, brochure (Arabic, October 2008) 2009 BADIL desk calendar: The Ongoing Nakba (English and Arabic; November 2008)

Documentation

2007 BADIL Annual Report (144 pages, Arabic and English) Report, 8th Annual Coordination Meeting, of the Global Palestine Right of Return Coalition, Uppsala, Sweden, 1 – 4 November 2007 (Arabic and English, October 2008, 78 pages)

2008 Badil Annual Report 73 Annex 3

BADIL Participation in International Conferences 2008

Jerusalem, 22 – 23 March: “The Palestinian Refugees in Iraq: Reality and Solutions”, an international conference organized by the al-Quds University and sponsored by IDRC, Canada

Ramallah, 31 March – 2 April: Palestinian library conference organized by the Palestinian Librarian Association and the Ramallah Center for Human Rights

UNESCO HQ, Paris, 29 – 30 April: UN International Conference on Palestine Refugees (under the auspices of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People)

Haifa, 21 – 22 June: Conference on the Right of Return and a Secular Democratic State in Palestine, organized by the One-State Group

Tel Aviv, 22 – 24 June: Conference – Return of the Refugees: Practices, Strategies and Visions, Zochrot

Oxford, 30 June – 1 July: “Seminar on Critical Theory of Internal Displacement”, Oxford University, Center for Refugee Studies

UNHQ, New York, 20 June: Conference on 60 years of Palestinian ‘refugeehood’ (under the auspices of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People

UNESCO, Paris, 3 – 5 September: UN Conference “60 Years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights”

Madrid, 11 -14 September: Third World Social Forum on Forced Migration, with focus on Palestinian refugees

Maynooth, Ireland, 15 - 18 September: Trocaire partner consultation on Palestine program

Brussels, 11 – 14 September: Legal Seminar “Making Monitoring Work; Re-inforcing International Law in Europe” organized by Diakonia and al-Haq

Bilbao, 29 – 31 October: Bilbao Civil Society Forum for Justice in Palestine and launching of the Bilbao Initiative, organized by Mewando, BNC/PNGO and Ittijah

Copenhagen, 1 November: “Israel and Palestinian NGOs Contribution to Peace and Reconciliation”, a conference organized by the Mandela Center in cooperation with the newspaper Politiken.

Galilee and Bethlehem, 12 – 19 November: Sabeel Conference “The Nakba: Memory, Reality and Beyond”

74 2008 Badil Annual Report 75 “Putting Rights into Practice” BADIL Action Plan 2008-2010

2008 BADIL Annual Report

Summary of Results and Activity Report

76