In addition to the Palestine Center, there are many organizations that maintain excellent online resources with up-to-date information on current events in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the political and human rights issues facing Palestinians, including:
Al-Haq is a Ramallah-based human rights organization that was founded in 1979 by a group of Palestinian lawyers. It provides reliable information on human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, conducts research, and also offers legal services to the Palestinian community.
The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the creation of Palestine to live alongside Israel in peace. It is a non-partisanthat aims to articulate the national security interests of the United States. Click here to view ATFP's Vision for the State of Palestine.
The Arab-American Institute (AAI) was founded by Dr. James Zogby in 1984. Based in Washington D.C., AAI is a non-profit organization that promotes political participation and empowerment of Arab-Americans. It analyzes governmental policy, fosters debate within the Arab-American community, and serves as a media outlet for the voice of Arab-Americans. Based on the 2000 U.S. Census data, AAI reports that there are currently about 3.5 million Americans of Arab descent, 6 percent of whom are Palestinian (approx. 210,000 total). According to AAI's demographic breakdown of Arab Americans, the majority of Palestinian Americans live in Illinois.
The BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights is affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, and was established in 1988. It works to advance the rights of Palestinian refugees. The organization conducts research, holds workshops, and provides legal advice.
B’Tselem (the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories) is a reliable source for information regarding violations of human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Based in Jerusalem, it was established in 1989 by a group of lawyers, journalists, prominent academics and Knesset members. It publishes numerous reports, many of which can be found on its website.
The Electronic Intifada (EI) was launched on 23 February 2001 by four journalists. It publishes editorials, reports, and news items, and also provides coverage of the arts and other cultural events related to the Palestinian community.
The Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP) is an American Organization that is based in Washington D.C. It seeks to disseminate accurate information about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and publishes reports and commentaries in order to promote a more informed debate. It was established in 1979 by the late Merle Thorpe, Jr.
The Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, which maintains offices in Jerusalem and Gaza, was established in 1988 by a group of researchers and journalists who sought to share information about the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The organization conducts opinion polls, publishes research, and provides news coverage, and holds conferences. Its website also provides information on Palestinian culture and the Peace Process.
MIFTAH (The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy) was established in December 1998 by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, who is its Secretary-General. Based in Jerusalem, MIFTAH works to promote dialogue on Palestinian issues with a special focus on supporting participatory governance. Prominent figures such as Rashid Khalili, Mahmoud Darwish, Mustafa Barghouti and Azmi Bishara are members of MIFTAH's Board of Directors. Its website is an excellent source for informed commentary on current events and reliable studies on civil society and human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Palestine Media Watch was founded in 2000 and works to encourage a more responsible portrayal of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the mainstream US media. Through analyzing news stories, publishing reports, and giving the media access to the Palestinian perspective, it is dedicated to upholding a higher standard of journalism. It is a volunteer organization with 42 chapters throughout the United States.
The Palestine Monitor seeks to publish information regarding the Israeli occupation that effectively communicates the Palestinian perspective. It was founded by the Palestinian Nongovernmental Organization Network (PNGO) in 2000 at the outbreak of the Second Intifada. Articles and reports from a wide range of sources can be found on its website.
The PLO Negotiation Affairs Department (NAD) was established in Gaza in 1994. Headed by Mahmoud Abbas until the April 2003, it is now directed by Dr. Saeb Erekat. It formulates negotiation positions and seeks to articulate the Palestinian stance on a variety of legal issues in order to promote diplomatic initiatives and public awareness.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), works in 166 countries to help developing countries draw on local capacity in order to develop solutions to a wide range of issues. Kemal Derviº is currently heading the organization, which focuses on the issues of human rights, participatory governance, poverty reduction, and the environment. UNDP also commissions the annual Human Development Report which provides policy analysis and recommendations regarding key development issues.
The United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) co-ordinates operations to protect the rights of refugees world wide, focusing on ensuring political asylum, integration and the right of voluntary return. The Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme consists of 68 member states, and meets annually to discuss a wide range of issues. Established on 14 December 1950, the UNCHR headquarters are located in Geneva, Switz.
The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest UN agency in the Middle East. Led by Karen AbuZayd since 1 April 2005, the agency provides services such as shelter, healthcare, social service and emergency aid, and has field offices in Damascus, Beirut, Amman, Gaza City, and Jerusalem. UNRWA was originally envisioned as a temporary organization to assist the Palestinian refugees after the war of 1948, yet it continues to provide much-needed assistance to over 4 million refugees.
The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation is a non-sectarian, grassroots organization which seeks to change U.S. foreign policy toward the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. It relies on international law and human rights standards to educate the public and mobilize action campaigns in colleges and cities across the United States.
Suggest other resources to be added to this list or report problems with links by emailing the Palestine Center Webmaster.
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