Almost without exception the brief Lebanese presentations included "escape clauses' absolving one or another of the 18 Lebanese confessions from responsibility and explaining why the particular party represented in the briefing really wanted to alleviate the "Perpetual Hell" of the quarter million Palestinian refugees packed into 12 "official camps" and twice that many informal "gatherings." But, as they explained to their guests, there exists a laundry list of reasons why the simple act of allowing Palestinians in Lebanon the full right to work and to own a home should not be expected anytime soon.
The Parliamentary delegation heard nothing that countless visitors have not heard before. But the importance of their visit was that they came at all, learned quickly about many more details of this human tragedy and what needs to be done than they explained they were previously unaware of, and that to a member, they vowed to do something about it upon return to their countries.
As British journalist and photographer, Stuart Littlewood reminds us , the delegations report once more shines light on binding international treaties and conventions that recognize the right to return, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights .
The right of return for refugees is guaranteed under Humanitarian and Human Rights Law including international customary law with incorporates the 1952 Refugee Convention even though Lebanon has to date declined to sign it. Also applicable to granting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon elementary civil rights are countless UN resolutions.
The members of the delegation pledged that that they will work with their governments to assist Lebanon with granting the internationally mandated civil right to work and to own a home.
The European MP's visit was refreshing and a welcome break from the stream of American officials and Congressman who visit Lebanon without visiting Palestinian camps and whose main work recently has been to threaten Lebanese politicians to tow the US line and oppose the Lebanese national resistance while being ever vigilant not to antagonize Israel. The delegation made clear that Israel is the main culprit that caused today's humanitarian crisis but Lebanon's new government, when formed, must act without further delay to grant civil rights to her refugees.
The Parliamentary delegation made the following findings of fact"
The
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are victims many times over and they are still
denied access to their homeland.
They are the victims of Lebanon's civil wars and the numerous Israeli
invasions and occupation.
They are victims of the unwillingness of the international community to
secure justice and the unwillingness of the Lebanese authorities to grant
them their basic human rights.
Among the delegations recommendations relevant to Lebanon, and which are nearly identical to the findings of more than two dozen workshops and conferences and three dozen studies of the subject over the past two decades:
The
international community, including Israel, is responsible for guaranteeing the
rights of Palestinian refugees and providing them with protection.
While Lebanon and many members of the United Nations offer appropriate
rhetoric, this must be matched with concrete steps to tangibly improve the
lives of the refugees in Lebanon and put an end to the catastrophic conditions
in which they live.
An appropriate solution is needed that restores and protects the human
rights of the refugees, including their right to return to their land.
In Lebanon, Palestinian refugees have a status that falls far short of
even second class citizenship. This should be corrected without delay.
As Israel has shown no inclination to respect the rights of Palestinian
refugees under international law, it is incumbent on the international
community to enforce a resolution.
The European Union and its member states, including the United Kingdom,
should significantly increase their funding to UNRWA to allow the agency to
fulfill its remit.
Negotiators, politicians and activists should ensure that Palestinian
refugees remain at the center of all peace talks.
Lebanon's position on the refugees is woefully inadequate. The 17th
August 2010 law should be implemented immediately as a first step to
normalizing the lives of Palestinian refugees by improving human, civil and
property rights and lifting restrictions on the professions available to
Palestinians.
On housing, all restrictions that limit the right to adequate housing for Palestinians should be removed, including any legislation that discriminates against Palestinians who are not officially citizens of a recognized state. A degree of security of tenure should be guaranteed and restrictions on bringing building materials into refugee camps should be removed, including the fines or penalties imposed on Palestinians for attempting to make their homes habitable.
As regards the environment, minimum levels of sanitation and access to clean water for all Palestinian refugees should be ensured.
As
regards employment, restrictions on Palestinian access to all professions
should be
lifted and the process of obtaining work permits eased.
As regards education, Lebanon should ensure that all children under its jurisdiction have access to education equal to that enjoyed by Lebanese nationals.
As regards non-ID refugees, their status in Lebanon should be regularized and refugees provided with identification documents.
With the new incoming government there and is every reason, opportunity and ability for Lebanon to meet its obligations and earn the respect of all countries and people of good will. Against the backdrop of the great Arab Awakening of 2011 Lebanon can also help propel their unwanted guests back to their own country, Palestine.
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