ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a webinar have stressed the need to acknowledge the unwavering spirit of refugees the world over.
The Centre for Afghanistan Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), hosted a webinar titled in collaboration with the Middle East Monitor (MEMO).
According to a press release issued by the ISSI on Thursday the webinar titled, “The Future of Palestinian Refugees” was held to mark World Refugee Day.
Dr. Daud Abdullah, Director Middle East Monitor (MEMO) expressing his views stressed the right of return for refugees, focusing on repatriation, compensation and property restitution. He added that historical agreements have failed to resolve issues of refugees justly and said that political agreements must uphold refugee rights under international law. He said that there was no conflict between right of return and self-determination as both complemented each other.
Dr. Salman Abu Sitta, Founder and President Palestine Land Society lamented that the issue of Palestinian refugees was being ignored by certain nations while focusing on Israeli hostages.
He said that the global law was on the side of the Palestinian refugees and supported their right to return. He highlighted the UNHCR’s failure to recognize all refugees and called for a future plan with refugees’ voices central.
Dr. Nader Al-Turk, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the State of Palestine highlighted the rise in Palestinian refugees since 1948, Israel’s disregard for UN resolutions, and targeting of UNRWA. He called for international efforts to address the refugee crisis and hold Israel accountable.
DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed the need to acknowledge the unwavering spirit of refugees the world over. He highlighted how Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees since 1979, and remains a major refugee-hosting nation despite economic hardships.
He noted that according to UNHCR global displacement, driven by conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar and Sudan, reached 117.3 million people in 2023, including 1.7 million Palestinians displaced in Gaza due to Israel’s war.
He said Palestinian refugee crisis, rooted in illegal occupation and dehumanizing treatment by Israel, is one of the longest-standing humanitarian issues.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, on World Refugee Day called for solidarity with Palestinian refugees and other refugees worldwide, urging the global community to address displacement’s root causes.
Prof. Nur Masalha, Palestinian historian emphasized understanding the history of the Palestinian issue, highlighting the 1948 Nakba and ongoing expulsions. He noted that Israel’s refusal nullifies the concept of voluntary repatriation and separates individual rights from collective self-determination.
Amina Khan, Director CAMEA said that the ongoing reign of terror that has been unleashed on Palestine amounts to what can only be characterized as genocide has led to further displacement putting into question the right of return for refugees. She said despite Israel’s ongoing brutalities, Palestinians have demonstrated their steadfast determination and resilience.
During his concluding remarks, Chairman BoG, ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood lamented UNRWA’s chronic underfunding and stressed addressing the root causes, property restitution, compensation and ensuring refugee return.
