tokten - UNDP

Background
on the
Palestinian
Diaspora
The
Palestinians have excelled in various fields of specialisation throughout
the world. The assistance of these expatriates can critically bolster the
development of the occupied Palestinian territories, especially during
the next few years. Diaspora Palestinians, approximately 60%of the total
population, have accumulated a tremendous amount of administrative, technical, and
scientific experience in the countries where they have resided. They are qualified and able
to be partners in building the modern, independent Palestinian state. According to the
Palestine Bureau of Statistics, the total number of Palestinian population in the Diaspora for
2000 was estimate 4.4 millions, of which 2.6 millions in Jordan, 385,500 in Lebanon, 401,100 in
Syria, 53,000 in Egypt, 536,000 in other Arab countries, 214,000 in USA, and 272,000 in other
foreign countries. The UNDP/PAPP is constructing a data bank which will have information
about the Palestinian Diaspora which will include expertise and contacts of individuals in
order to facilitate their return to Palestine through the TOKTEN Programme.