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OVERVIEW

he Palestinian Return Centre is an independent


consultancy focusing on the historical, political and
legal aspects of Palestinian Refugees.

The organization offers expert advice to various actors and


agencies on the question of Palestinian Refugees within
the context of the Nakba - The catastrophe following the
forced displacement of Palestinians in 1948 - and serves
as an information repository on other related aspects of the
Palestine question and the Arab-Israeli conflict. It specializes
in the research, analysis, and monitor of issues pertaining to
the dispersed Palestinians and their internationally recognized
legal right to return.

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From the Director

t gives me great pleasure to introduce the Palestinian Return


Centre (PRC). The organization, as the heading states, has
been at the heart of the Palestinian issue since 1996. We have
been at the forefront in arguing the case for Palestinian refugees,
now numbering 7 million from a global Palestinian population
of 11 million. The refugee issue was central and still remains
central to a just solution to the question of Palestine.
It was the first UN mediator, the Swiss diplomat Folk Bernadotte,
who said No Settlement can be just and complete if recognition
is not accorded to the right of the Arab refugee to return to the
home from which he has been dislodge. It would be an offence
against the principles of elemental justice if these innocent
victims of the conflict were denied the right to return to their
homes while Jewish immigrants flow into Palestine, and indeed,
offer the threat of permanent replacement of the Arab refugees
who have been rooted in the land for centuries.

Majed Al Zeer

This was 1948 and nearly seven decades later, the plight of
Palestinian refugees still remains unresolved and their basic
human right have become subjected to political bartering.
Our direct involvement with Palestinians refugees has given us
unique knowledge and expertise for advocating their plight.

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We have done this on various political levels, from the UN, EU and
of course here in the UK. We are proud to announce that PRC is
now a United Nations accredited NGO. This great privilege allows
us to take part in UN conferences and seminars in raising our
concerns and shaping political outcomes.
Weve coordinated numerous political delegations; one was the
largest of its kind with 55 MPs who visited Gaza. Through our
delegation to Syria, in 2010, we addressed the grim situation of
Palestinian refugees fleeing violence and persecution in Iraq. We
worked with both UN refugee agencies UNRWA and UNHCR
and the Syrian government to find temporary settlements for
them. Weve followed some of the refugees all the way to Brazil
to ensure their well being.
This is our work; we have displayed them here for you to see.
We are fully committed to the victims of the Nakba and want to
see a resolution to their plight based on international law.
The passage of time does not invalidate human rights and the
facts of Bernadottes statements reigns true today and for the
future. Human rights and justice does not change with shifting
politics. They remain constant. Palestinian Refugee issue was at
the core and still remains the core of the Palestinian issue.
I hope this introductory book not only provides you with good
examples of our work and what PRC stands for but also gives
you some insight into the importance of addressing the plight of
Palestinian refugees.
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INTRODUCTION

his introductory booklet presents the main goals,


objectives and key activities of the Palestinian Return
Centre (PRC). It also presents some of our major
achievements over the years.
Since its founding in 1996, PRC has strived to defend the rights
of Palestinian refugees, raise awareness of their plight and bring
the issue of refugees back into the political agenda. PRC also
aims to preserve Palestinian identity and culture, especially
across Europe.
PRC is now an established NGO that provides information,
analysis and resource in understanding the plight of Palestinian
refugees. It is an international voice and has been accredited
by United Nations. This unique privilege entitles PRC to
participate in sessions organised by the UN Committee on
the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in raising
awareness and shaping outcomes.
This introductory booklet outlines our goals and aspirations
as an organization, namely, to defend and promote the right
of return of Palestinian refugees, raise awareness, inform and
educate, address humanitarian concerns, preserve Palestinian
identity and support Palestinian refugees.

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After outlining the organisations goals and perspectives, the


remainder of the book will demonstrate, in greater detail,
how we have strived to achieve these goals and document
some of our work.
PRC has always maintained the position that a resolution to
the question of Palestine will not be achieved by ignoring the
rights of Palestinian refugees, who represent three quarters
of the global Palestinian population. It is for this reason and
in recognition of the fact that lasting peace will not come
about without justice that PRC has been striving persistently
for nearly two decades.

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OUR GOALS

Defend and Promote the Right of Return

PRC strives to defend the right of return on all levels


including academia, media and politics. Our work also
aims to clear the muddied political arena and place the issue of
refugees and the right of return in its correct historical and legal
position. This is the only fair and just way to settle the plight
of Palestinian refugees and the broader Israeli - Palestinian
conflict. The Right of Return is a moral and legal right enshrined
in international law through the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, numerous international conventions and UN
resolutions. This basic human right, to return to ones land, is
denied to Palestinians due to political reasons.
The political process has been a total failure for the refugees.
Since the peace process, beginning in the 90s, there has been
a shameful oversight of the rights of 7.1 million Palestinians.
In confronting this trend, the centre aims at promoting the
rights of Palestinian refugees using all possible means on
various platforms, national and international.
In upholding this crucial goal PRC has established voice
within the UN, EU, national governments and also amongst
civic organizations across Europe.

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Raise Awareness

There are many misinformation surrounding Palestinian


refugees, from the birth of their plight in 1948, known as
the Nakba, their status under international law, their current
composition and situation and their position within the
political process. The general lack of knowledge and apathy
have lead to political neglect and humanitarian problems
which PRC is committed to changing.
The plight of refugees was the central concern at the dawn
of the conflict. Over the years there has been a slow erosion
of this central issue due to changes of facts on the ground.
According to current estimates, the global Palestinian
population is 11 Million. Of them 7.1 Million are refugees.
Their political and human rights have been denied for over six
decades and their suffering is greeted with muted response. To
redress this failure PRC aims to raise awareness amongst the
public, key decision makers and national and international
agencies about the plight of Palestinian refugees and return
the political process to this core issue.

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Inform and Educate

Within Europe, even though there is no paucity of


information, there still remains a general lack of
understanding about the central issues relating to the
question of Palestine and in particular the refugees. Amongst
the propaganda of the early Zionist was their denial of the
existence of Palestinians. It then denied its own culpability
for the expulsion of Palestinians from their land. Then against
the wishes of the international community, it denied the right
of Palestinians to return to their land. And up till now it has
continually tried to dissolve the plight of refugees by various
means, especially through changing facts on the ground.
Deconstructing this narrative has been a major part of our
work and therefore PRC has taken great care in maintaining a
strong academic background, in research and analysis of every
event relating to refugees. PRC has many researchers and
maintains a very close relation with research centres around
the world. Through conferences, seminars, publications and
public lectures, PRC ensures that the true information about
Palestinian refugees is made accessible. PRC also takes part in
seminars and workshops across universities in the UK.

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Preserve Palestinian Identity

The Palestinian community is fragmented, millions


are prevented from returning to their country and as
a consequence are scattered across the globe. PRC strives
to maintain and enhance the strong bond that already exists
between Palestinian communities in diasporas. It was one
of the hopes of early Zionists that Palestinians in exile would
forget and the bond between them and their land would simply
dissolve over time and new generations of Palestinians would
lose their Palestinian identity. This has been not been the case
as Palestinians all over the world are still seeking their right to
return to their land.

Palestine Gallery
The Palestine Gallery is a non-governmental, non-profit
organisation, which aims to promote Palestinian arts and
culture in the United Kingdom.
The PG is the culmination of a deep aspiration of the PRC for
a venue dedicated specifically to the promotion and support of
art. The main objectives of the PG are:
- To create and promulgate Palestinian cultural activities and
projects in the UK
- To establish a network of communications and interaction
amongst the different cultural centres and institutions, in
Palestine, the UK and worldwide.
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- To document and make accessible the work of Palestinian


artists and art work by non Palestinians related to Palestine.
- To develop and encourage anawareness of the culture and art
in Palestinian communities in the diaspora.
- To provide an opportunity for young visiting Palestinian artists
to exchange ideas and experiences with the public in Britain,
and encourage a cultural dialogue.
The venue is located right in the heart of London, very close to
British Library and the new international Kings Cross Terminal.
It consists of several gallery areas, a conference hall, a cafe, a
bookshop and a library.
The sources of PG revenue are donations and project-specific
grants. The project is financed with the generous donation of
HH Sheikh Sultan Al Qasemi, Ruler of the Emirates of Sharjah.

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Support Palestinian Refuges

PRC provides direct support to Palestinian refugees.


There is still a growing Palestinians refugee crises as
increasing numbers of Palestinians are exiled from their land
or their place of temporary settlement. Some have recently
fled violence and persecution and are forcefully displaced
three or four times during their life.PRC provides direct
assistance to countless Palestinian refugees, to the new and
old, around the world. The assistance provided by PRC has
enabled some Palestinians to develop their own organisations
and institutions to support their community and defend their
rights.

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Briefing with UNRWA head of reconstruction Charles Higgins, Nahr el-Bared camp

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OUR WORK

he work of PRC covers many areas including academia,


media and communications, consultancy, advocacy
and lobbying. PRC organises international conferences,
parliamentary delegations, gives regular commentaries,
carries out new research and publishes books, journals and
documentary films. The following is just a small sample of
our work and achievements.

Delegation to Tayeb Erdogan, Prime


Minister of Turkey

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PRC delegation meeting with head of European Parliament

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Achievements

UN Accredited NGO

Since 2003, PRC has been granted the status of


an accredited NGO by the United Nations. The
Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the
Palestinian People has a mandate from the United Nations
General Assembly to extend its cooperation and support to
Palestinian and other civil society organizations. In keeping
with this mandate, a network of more than 1,000 civil society
organizations from all regions of the world, active on the
question of Palestine, have been established over the years.
Accredited civil society organizations are invited to attend all
relevant international meetings and conferences held under
the auspices of the Committee, participate in the discussions
and make statements, either orally or in written form.
NGOs submit reports, written statements and other relevant
documents for circulation among Committee Members and
Observers. PRC regularly joins these sessions in Vienna,
Geneva and other venues voicing its opinions on refugees
and other related topics.

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Putting Palestinian Refugees in the Political


Agenda

PRC ensures that all relevant political bodies and


institutions are made aware of the plight of refugees. In
addition to the UN accredited status, where PRC is given
an international platform, PRC also endeavours to deliver its
message to the European and national parliaments. PRC has
sponsored seminars at the European Parliament and lobbied
MEPs, including former and current presidents and high
officials at the European Parliament. PRC lead a high profile
delegation to meet Javier Solano, EU High representative
in 2009 and the Turkish Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan in
2010. Nationally PRC successfully held public meetings in
Westminster in partnership with mainstream political parties.

Delegation to EU High Representative for


the Common Foreign and Security Policy,
Mr. Javier Solana

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Legal Advocacy for Palestinian Refugees

In addition to keeping the refugee issue in the heart


of the political agenda, PRC defends the legal rights
of Palestinian refugees. Its various publications, conferences
and workshops are used in making the legal case for the
right of Palestinian refugees to return to their land. PRC is
working to expand its legal advocacy work by creating a
legal framework through which individual human rights of
Palestinian refugees can be secured, during their status as
refugees and ultimately in any final resolution to their plight.

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Delegations
PRC has successfully coordinated a number of delegations
from Europe and the UK. It has taken numerous delegations

to Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, West Bank, Jordan. Its most high profile
delegation was in 2009 when over 50 parliamentarians visited
Gaza. Such delegations ensure that government officials and
elected MPs are made aware of current situations in order to
address immediate humanitarian concerns and ultimately in
working towards a just political outcome.
Our 2009 cross party delegation to Syria was aimed at raising
the plight of Palestinian refugees from Iraq who were fleeing
violence and persecution in Iraq. Many of the thousands were
stranded for years between the borders of Syria and Iraq. our
delegation visited Al Tanaf camp and initiated a project with the
Syrian Government in conjunction with UNRWA and UNHCR
to close the camps and find a temporary resettlement plan.
In 2011 PRC also coordinated European wide parliamentary
delegation to Lebanon in raising awareness of the uniquely
desperate situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the
devastation of Nahar al Bared camp, where 27,000 refugees
were made homeless.
Delegation to Palestinian refugees camp
who fled from Iraq

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Delegation to Lebanon meeting with Lebanese President Michael Suleiman

The biggest Parliamentarian delegation to Gaza more then 50 MP and MEP.

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Conferences

PRC has organised many conferences over the years.


All the conferences highlight different issues related to
the refugees such as the situation of Palestinian women in
refugee camps, the right to return and repatriation. PRC has
also organised conferences that provided a critical analysis
of the impact of the Israeli law of return. These conferences
have an international dimension such as the conference
organised in 2009, UNRWA and the future of Palestinian
Refugees, where a host of academics, politicians and human
rights groups participated, including Britains International
Development Minister, Mike Foster. During the conference
PRC also launched a survey of Palestinian refugees and their
attitude towards UNRWA.
During its Ongoing Nakba (catastrophe referring to the 1947/8
exile) Conference in 2011 PRC invited a host of international
scholars and activists in demonstrating how the Nakba is
not an event in Palestinian history but an ongoing event. The
illegal Wall, Israeli settlements, Israels policy in Gaza and
its treatment of Palestinian Bedouins within 1948 Palestine,
were all highlighted as evidences of exile and the creation of
new refugees.

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Exhibitions

PRC exhibitions are another means to raise awareness,


especially on current situations. Our exhibitions are
held at universities, conferences, PRC events and upon
request given to different organizations across the UK and
Europe. We have exhibitions on Gaza which highlights the
extreme levels of violence shown against Palestinians during
Operation Cast Lead. Our exhibition on Israeli Apartheid
shows the discriminatory nature of Israeli policies. The
Nakba exhibition draws historical parallels between different
episodes of Palestinian flight from their land as a consequence
of Israeli aggression. The Prisoners exhibition highlights the
illegal nature of Israeli incarceration of Palestinians. We
continually add to our exhibitions depending on political and
humanitarian developments.
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Lobbying and Public Relations


PRC has developed a strong relationship with MPs
in the UK and across Europe. This enables us to hold

regular briefings in Westminster and take part in seminars and


workshops. This relationship makes our delegations possible.
Our public relations work is not restricted to the UK only.
We have worked with the European Parliament on several
occasions. PRC lead a very high profile delegation to the
European Parliament to meet the president at that time Javier
Solano and the Turkish Prime Minster Tayyip Erdogan. PRC
representatives also take part in direct lobbying with other
European Organizations at the European Parliament.

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Memorial Week

In remembrance of the long history of aggression against


the Palestinians, their continued exile and dispossession
and their ongoing plight, we launched Palestine Memorial
Week in 2009. This is a national event which unites different
organisations institutions and personalities within civic
society. During a week of intensive activism we hold:
Public meetings with solidarity groups
Public awareness workshops and activities in
universities
Awareness activities and classes at schools
Photo Galleries on Palestine
Film screening on different themes
Speaking events in Hyde Park Speakers Corner
Action in Trafalgar Square. The event is called
Gaza 1417. Its to commemorate the anniversary
of Operation Cast Lead
Cycling around London with Palestine flags.

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Publications and Documentaries


PRC has published many academic papers on the
plight of refugees and other related issues. In addition

to its regular publications, which include the Monthly Memo


and regular briefings to MPs, the centre has conducted
and sponsored many different projects including books,
documentary films, leaflets, monthly memo, research papers
and educational CDs in both English and Arabic and others.
In 2011 it launched the Journal of Palestinian Refugee Studies
with the aim of creating a new space to discuss the plight of
Palestinian refugees. Its most recent books include Internally
Displaced Palestinians and The Present Absentees and
Understanding the Nakba, which is a historical commentary
on the Palestinian exile. Recently, PRC has completed a
documentary following the plight of Palestinian Refugees
from Iraq through their detention and temporary resettlement
in far away as Brazil.

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Journal of Palestinian Refugee Studies


(JPRS)

In our latest efforts to inform and educate we


launched the Journal of Palestinian Refugee Studies (JPRS) in
2011. With a strong focus on refugees, providing information,
analysis and commentary on all aspects of their plight, it is
has filled a void within the public domain on the history and
future of Palestine. On a broader level it has created space for
informed discussion that rarely gets mentioned in the context
of Palestine.
The journal draws opinion from experts and activists
from various sectors including politics, academia, legal
and humanitarian workers. Our first edition provided an
introduction to the plight of refugees, with contributions from
the former Director General of UNRWA, Karen Abu Zayd, and
esteemed scholars like Salman Abu Sitta and Ghada Karmi.
JPRS is available on line and hundreds of hard copies are
distributed to academic institutions, think tanks, MPs and
various institutions. Many more are distributed by PRC during
conferences seminars, worships and public events that are
organized by PRC and its various partners around the country.

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PRC Online
PRCs online work has grown over the years and
now includes, a website, Facebook, Twitter and

you tube. PRC website contains up to date news, information


and studies about refugees. It also has a vast range of material
on issues related to Palestine. The site contains extensive
resources and many of our publications can be downloaded
for free. In addition, the site includes all the centres activities
and any related programs planned by other organisations in
Europe and in the UK.

www.facebook.com/returncentre
@prclondon
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www.prc.org.uk

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Directly helping refugees


In addition to the numerous delegations that
weve organised to raise the plight of refugees

and provide humanitarian support, PRC has given direct


assistance to many Palestinian refugees. We visited families
that were relocated from the Iraqi borders to Brazil, Norway,
Sweden and India, as part of our filming. We came across
families living in extremely depressing conditions, especially
those that were in need of medical support. They had access
to no jobs or health provisions. We acted on their behalf in
notifying the authorities. We also met Palestinians fleeing
from Iraq to Cyprus and here in the UK and assisted them
during their arrival with support and advice about health,
schooling and access to other basic provisions.

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Co-ordinations with Civic Society


Institutions

With the issue of Palestine being global in scope, PRC has


coordinated with global institutions on various issues. It also
coordinates with research centres and civil society institutions
in organising seminars, humanitarian delegations and various
projects. In association with the European Campaign to End
the Siege on Gaza (ECESG), which is an umbrella organisation
of 30 NGOs, we coordinated a workshop at the European
Parliament. This was carried out in partnership with the
Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative
Council, which is an EU mission. Under the auspices of Vice
President to the European Parliament, The workshop titled,
Palestine 2009, How to Break the Vicious Circle, examined
the crippling siege in Gaza as well as the current impasse in
the Peace Process.
PRC in partnership with ECESG, which is also supported by 50
parliamentarians across Europe, organized the humanitarian,
Hope Convoy, to Gaza in 2009 where over 50 trucks delivered
medical and other essential supplies to Gaza.

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Conferences of Palestinians in Europe


Palestinians, following their expulsion from
Palestine, are scattered all over the world. This

fragmentation is distressing, especially for the Palestinians


in diasporas who have little opportunity to express their
culture and common bond with their fellow Palestinians. In
addressing this problem PRC has taken long strides to preserve
the Palestinian identity here in Europe.
PRC founded the European Conference which is now in its
ninth Year. This conference held in major cities in Europe,
London, Milan, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Vienna and Berlin
brings together up to 12 Thousand Palestinians in order to
raise their concern and to show solidarity with the global
plight of Palestinians.

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Challenging creation of new refugees

A key objective for PRC is raising concerns


and where possible to effect outcomes in the
prevention of new refugees. The ongoing home demolition
in the occupied territory and also within Israel continues to
increase the number of refugees. Many of them, such as the
victims of Israeli bombardment in Gaza, following Operation
Cast Lead in 2008, are already refugees whose home was
destroyed by Israeli bombs. Israeli policies continue to
displace Palestinians from their homes.
We have raised these concerns at every level, at the European
Parliament, the UN, British Government, Scottish and Irish
Government and many more. In 2009 Israel evicted 1,500
Palestinian in the Bustan district to make way for a park. The
construction of the illegal wall separated 420,000 Palestinians
from other cities and their land. Israel furthermore was
vigorously engaged in home demolitions with the intention
of Judaising Jerusalem. Our campaign, drawing attention to
all these major concerns, attracted response from the British
Foreign Office, European Parliament including the President
of the European Commission, Manuel Barroso.

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Directly helping refugees


In addition to the numerous delegations that
weve organised to raise the plight of refugees

and provide humanitarian support, PRC has given direct


assistance to many Palestinian refugees. We visited families
that were relocated from the Iraqi borders to Brazil, Norway,
Sweden and India, as part of our filming. We came across
families living in extremely depressing conditions, especially
those that were in need of medical support. They had access
to no jobs or health provisions. We acted on their behalf in
notifying the authorities. We also met Palestinians fleeing
from Iraq to Cyprus and here in the UK and assisted them
during their arrival with support and advice about health,
schooling and access to other basic provisions.

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Back Cover

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