Written by: Bisan Adwan
Although the UNCCP has not been officially disbanded, it has been effectively paralyzed for decades due to American and Israeli opposition. Despite its dormancy, the commission continues to issue periodic reports for discussion in the UN Security Council and General Assembly every two years. In light of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli obstruction of UNRWA’s operations, reactivating the UNCCP has become imperative. Turkey, as a historical member of the commission, is uniquely positioned to advocate for its revival. Since joining the UNCCP, Turkey has consistently supported refugee rights, leveraging international platforms to push for the implementation of Resolution 194.
Turkey’s significance stems from its strategic geopolitical position, robust network of regional and international alliances, and emerging role as a focal point for Palestinian diplomacy following the decline of Qatar’s mediating influence. Ankara’s potential extends beyond the UN corridors, as it can spearhead efforts to organize international conferences aimed at reactivating the UNCCP and propose new initiatives for documenting Palestinian refugee properties in collaboration with Palestinian and international entities. Furthermore, Turkey is well-positioned to lead global campaigns highlighting the historical responsibilities owed to Palestinian refugees, especially given Israel’s continued disregard for international resolutions.
Obstacles and International Pushback
Reviving the UNCCP and safeguarding UNRWA’s mission will not come without significant challenges. Israel views such efforts as direct threats to its settler-colonial project, which seeks to obliterate Palestinian rights. In alliance with the United States, Israel has historically thwarted international initiatives addressing refugee rights, often invoking dubious arguments about preserving regional stability. This obstruction is poised to intensify under a potential new Trump administration, which may introduce further schemes like the “Deal of the Century” to relocate Palestinians and erase their historical ties to the land.
Despite these hurdles, coordinated and strategic efforts could reinstate both UNRWA’s operations and the UNCCP’s mission, creating a comprehensive framework for reactivating long-dormant legal and diplomatic tools. This approach could provide much-needed leverage to address the refugee crisis effectively and assert Palestinian rights on the global stage.
Toward a New Strategy for Refugee Rights
Reactivating the UNCCP is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic necessity in the broader battle for Palestinian rights. Reviving this commission would offer a powerful legal and diplomatic mechanism to hold Israel accountable for its historical and ongoing crimes while ensuring UNRWA’s survival as a critical pillar of the international framework supporting refugees.
Turkey has the capacity to become a central player in these efforts. By fostering closer coordination with other UNCCP member states and expanding its pro-Palestinian alliances, Ankara can exemplify effective diplomacy in countering international challenges.
The fight for Palestinian refugee rights transcends humanitarian concerns; it lies at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. As Israel and its allies seek to bury this issue, international actors like Turkey remain vital in reclaiming Palestinian rights and placing them back at the forefront of global attention.
