6.1. The United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine (UNCCP) The UNCCP was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194(III), paragraph 2, in December 1948 based on a recommendation by the United Nations Mediator on Palestine, Count Folke Bernadotte.156 The three members of the UNCCP appointed by the General Assembly were, and still are, the United States, France and Turkey. In addition to continuing the efforts of the United Nations Mediator on Palestine, the General Assembly instructed the UNCCP to, inter alia: • Take steps to assist the governments and authorities concerned to achieve a final settlement of all questions outstanding between them;157 • Present to the fourth regular session of the General Assembly detailed proposals for a permanent international regime for the Jerusalem area, which would provide for the maximum local autonomy for distinctive groups consistent with the special international status of the Jerusalem area;158 • Seek arrangements among the governments and authorities concerned that would facilitate the economic development of the area, including arrangements for access to ports and airfields and the use of transportation and communication facilities.159 While affirming the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes,160 the General Assembly also instructed the UNCCP to: […] facilitate the repatriation, resettlement and economic and social rehabilitation of the refugees and the payment of compensation, and to maintain close relations with the Director of the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees and, through him, with the appropriate organs and agencies of the United Nations.161 In 1950, the General Assembly specifically requested that the UNCCP protect the rights, properties and interests of the refugees.162 United Nations, Progress Report of the United Nations Mediator on Palestine Submitted to the Secretary General for Transition to the Members of the United Nations, United Nations General Assembly Official Records, third session, Suppl. No. 11, UN Doc.A/648, (September 16, 1948), http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/AB14D4AAFC4E1BB985256204004F55FA. 157 UN General Assembly, “Res. 194(III),” para. 6. 158 Ibid., para. 8. 159 Ibid., para. 10. 160 Ibid., para. 11. 161 Ibid. 162 UN General Assembly, “Resolution 394(V) - Palestine: Progress Report of the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine; Repatriation or Resettlement of Palestine Refugees and Payment of Compensation due to Them,” December 14, 1950, para. 2(c), UN Doc. A/AC.25/W.82/Rev.1, http:// www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/394(V)&Lang=E&Area=RESOLUTION. 156 28 Handbook on Protection of Palestinian Refugees