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Interview with the author: Mazen Shaqoura
In a few sentences, how would you describe the situation of freedom of association in the OPT ?
The current situation of the freedom of association may be described as bad and candidate for the worst if the current political situation continues both at the internal Palestinian level and in relationship with the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and the political and geographical separation between the two wings of the Nation. In terms of registration of new associations, the situation is frozen by the Hamas government in Gaza, in addition to the closure of many organizations, which revolve in the orbit of the Fatah movement, or close to Abbas authority. The same practice is followed by Abass government in the West Bank where almost a hundred and twenty NGOs were dissolved because they were affiliated or close to Hamas. The current political polarization reflected itself on the Palestinian civil society and the two political authorities committing illegal practices against registered NGOs in both wings of the Palestinian territories.
The current situation of the freedom of association may be described as bad and candidate for the worst if the current political situation continues both at the internal Palestinian level and in relationship with the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and the political and geographical separation between the two wings of the Nation. In terms of registration of new associations, the situation is frozen by the Hamas government in Gaza, in addition to the closure of many organizations, which revolve in the orbit of the Fatah movement, or close to Abbas authority. The same practice is followed by Abass government in the West Bank where almost a hundred and twenty NGOs were dissolved because they were affiliated or close to Hamas. The current political polarization reflected itself on the Palestinian civil society and the two political authorities committing illegal practices against registered NGOs in both wings of the Palestinian territories.
What is the main positive point in the current situation?
From a legislative and procedural perspective it’s very difficult to talk about positive aspects in the current situation, but it is possible to talk about the coherence and coordination among the NGOs that has increased in anticipation of any attack by the two governments…
The main negative point?
One of the most important negative points is the absence legal procedures when closing, confiscation and searches of NGOs. In addition to great extend NGOs suffering from pressure practiced on them by the two parties to the current political conflict to take a position or to be loyal to one party on the account of the other. This polarized situation had created unhealthy working environment for the NGOs in particular for Human rights and good governance sectors.
One of the most important negative points is the absence legal procedures when closing, confiscation and searches of NGOs. In addition to great extend NGOs suffering from pressure practiced on them by the two parties to the current political conflict to take a position or to be loyal to one party on the account of the other. This polarized situation had created unhealthy working environment for the NGOs in particular for Human rights and good governance sectors.
What is your personal opinion about freedom of association in the OPT ?
The situation is candidate for the worst
The situation is candidate for the worst
Mazen Shaqoura is a Program Officer at the Swiss Development and Cooperation
