Advocacy Briefing: Palestinians and the search for protection as refugees and stateless persons in Europe • • • Include Palestinians, both those living in UNRWA’s area of operation and those beyond in the personal scope of the EU proposal setting up an Union Resettlement Framework (COM(2016)468 final). Undertake research relating to issues relevant to Palestinians, for example, whether Palestinians can access refugee resettlement schemes, in theory and practice. Take steps to improve the collection and publication of data on Palestinians so that data categories are harmonised, clearly defined, do not overlap, and provide accurate data on stateless populations in Europe. International organisations, civil society, judiciary, and bar associations should: • • • • Facilitate engagement between governments, regional institutions, civil society, and representatives of Palestinian communities to discuss challenges, find solutions and ensure that issues relating to access to protection and rights for Palestinians in Europe are addressed consistently, fairly, and in line with international law. Provide training and develop tools on relevant jurisprudence and country information relating to Palestinians to improve the quality and consistency of decision-making and develop the expertise of those providing legal advice and assistance to applicants. Support the research and production of improved country-of-origin information relating to Palestinians in UNRWA’s area of operation and elsewhere, including information about their legal status and access to effective protection. Use our report and other relevant resources in human rights advocacy to secure recommendations that enhance the protection of Palestinians, including before the Universal Periodic Review and UN treaty bodies. All relevant actors should: • Facilitate the participation of Palestinians and representatives of Palestinian communities in Europe in work to address these issues and find legal, policy, and practice solutions ensuring that the voices, views, and expertise of affected populations are heard and acted upon. ENDNOTES Definition of a stateless person, found in the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, Article 1(1). See, for example, an analysis of this issue in Belgium: VAN DOREN, W., LEJEUNE, J., CLAES, M., KLEIN, V., ‘The broadening protection gap for stateless Palestinian refugees in Belgium’, Statelessness and Citizenship Review, Vol.2 no 2 (2020), https://statelessnessandcitizenshipreview.com/index.php/journal/article/view/123/99 1 2 London, United Kingdom Media: +44 7522 525673 info@statelessness.eu www.statelessness.eu The European Network on Statelessness is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England. Charity Number 1158414.