Press Releases

BADIL Resource Center 
23 May 2000
For Immediate Release 

The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy-MIFTAH has successfully completed the formal procedures for the nomination of UNRWA for the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize. This timely initiative aims to draw international public attention not only to the ongoing importance of this UN Agency, the main provider of vital services to Palestinian refugees in the Middle East over the past fifty years, but also to the right and need of Palestinian refugees to international assistance and protection, including a durable solution based on UN Resolution 194 (right of return). BADIL Resource Center welcomes the UNRWA nomination and encourages all those involved in efforts for justice and peace in the Middle East to raise public support for this timely initiative.

MIFTAH Announcement

The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy-MIFTAH is nominating UNRWA, the United Nation's Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for the Nobel Peace Prize for the Year 2000. 

UNRWA for the last 50 years has attempted, against overwhelming odds, to meet the needs of over 3.6 Palestinian registered refugees. 

In recognition of UNRWA’s humanitarian services to the Palestinian refugees and its committed efforts for the building of a just peace in the region, MIFTAH urges you to mobilize resources for this nomination. At this crucial time of permanent status talks where refugees occupy a priority on the agenda of negotiations, this campaign aims at highlighting the question of refugees and the significant role of UNRWA.

There are 3.6 million registered refugees in UNRWA, however another 1.4 million refugees are scattered around the world. The claims of Palestinian refugees to the right of return and a just compensation remain in pursuit of the application of UN resolution 194.

UNRWA is often referred to as the "UN's best kept secret" and the "UN's best success story". It is regarded by all parties involved in the Palestinian refugees’ issue as a key pillar of stability.  The Agency is credited for maintaining the cultural identity of the Palestinian refugees, while working simultaneously to create an environment conducive to peaceful co-existence and respect for human rights.

For further details you can consult MIFTAH’s website: www.miftah.org or UNRWA’s website: www.unrwa.org or contact us at:
Tel.: +972-2-5851842
Fax: +972-2-5835184
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 38588
Jerusalem 97800
E-mail: [email protected]