BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee

) The right to protection from persecution and forcible displacement
Protection
Israel’s policies cause new displacement of Palestinian residents, as well as the repeated displacement of refugees and
IDPs, both inside the occupied territory and across regional borders. Forcible displacement is caused by violations
of international humanitarian and human rights law, including unnecessary and disproportionate damage inflicted
on the civilian population, and violation of Article 49 of the Geneva Convention prohibiting the transfer of civilians
(Jewish settlers) by the occupying power into occupied territory. Additional factors that induce forcible displacement
include restrictions on movement, revocation of residency rights, denial of family reunification, confiscation
of Palestinian land, and (since 2002) the construction of the Wall and its associated regime. (See Chapter One)
c) The right to non-discrimination
Israel’s regime of occupation, which includes elements of colonialism and apartheid, violates the right to equality of
Palestinian residents, including 1948 refugees and IDPs, under international humanitarian and human rights law.
For instance, Israel does not apply military law to Jewish settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. In violation
of the principle of non-discrimination, they remain subject to Israel’s civil regime.
d) The right of return
Following Israel’s domestic laws, Israeli military regulations deny Palestinian refugees and IDPs, including 1967
refugees the right of return and restitution.
e) Freedom of movement
Freedom of movement between occupied West Bank districts is severely restricted, and largely non-existent between
the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, and between the occupied West Bank and occupied eastern Jerusalem.
Restriction of movement as a result of military closures, over 500 checkpoints and physical obstacles, 75 the permit
system, curfews and the construction of the Wall in the occupied West Bank, are major factors limiting the exercise
of other protected rights by the Palestinian population, including refugees and IDPs.
Palestinians passing one of 600 checkpoints in the occupied West Bank, 2006. © Anne Paq.
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