Timetable of PRC International Conference: 16th December, MPs, academics and experts discuss Future of Palestinian Refugees
The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) will host a conference on Wednesday, 16th of December 2009 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA. The conference is expected to discuss the recent conditions facing the Palestinian Refugees and UNRWA.
The key speakers will launch the event which would include 4 sessions. Academics from USA, UK and the Middle East plus Politicians from Asia and other Arab countries would participate in the event.
Researchers and students would engage in discussion which would take place within the sessions.
Keynote speaker Norman Finkelstein is expected to hold a session about the Palestinian cause entitled “What’s Preventing Peace?” Renowned Palestinian Researcher, Salaman Abu Sitta is taking part in the conference through a unique topic “UNRWA! The unsung Hero”
Claire Short – MP, Geremy Corybon MP and Baroness Jenny Tonge are taking part in the event where each will deliver a speech on the Palestinian cause and Palestinian Refugees.
More importantly, a survey showed different views on the performance and services of UNRWA, with ratings between satisfied and unsatisfied. Some of the examined samples regarded the problem as one which is solely political. This would be discussed in special session and it’s expected to produce many recommendations.
The Conference would be held in easily accessible place for all participants. It would be in London Euston, just few meters away from Euston Station at Friends House (London) Hospitality, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ.
The Conference is open for all interested people and the admission is free. No pre-registration required.
For more information visit: www.prc.org.uk
Conference Timetable:
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Registration
10:00 AM – Opening Speech
Baroness Jenny Tonge
Mr. Majed Al Zeer – General Director of PRC
Claire Short – MP
Professor Salman Abu Sitta
Session 1: 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM – The Beginning and End of the Plight of Palestinian refugees
10:30AM –Conference Key Note Speech- Professor Norman Finkelstein – Author and Academic, What’s Preventing Peace?
11:45PM – BREAK
12:00PM – Revisiting the Ideological and Political Motivations of the Palestinian Nakhba – Dr Daud Abdullah – Director of MEMO
12:30 PM – UNRWA! The unsung Hero – Professor Salman Abu Sitta – Director of Palestine Land Society
1:15PM – BREAK
Session 2: 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM – Palestinian Refugees and International Response
2:15PM – International mandate of UNRWA and its challenges – Mr. Sami Meshasha – UNRWA Spokesperson
2:45PM – The Role of Major Stakeholders in Aiding and Hindering UNRWA Activities – Professor Rachel Rudolph – University Lecturer
3: 15PM – Gap between the Rights of Palestinian Refugees in International Law and Their Reality. Dr. Van Engeland – Expert International refugee law
3:45 PM – BREAK
Session 3: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Challenges of the Host Countries
4:00PM- Lebanon – Mr. Kalil Makkawi – Head of the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee
4:30PM – Jordan – Mr. Wajih Azaiza – Jordanian representative of Palestinian Refugees
5:00PM – Syria – Mr. Ali Mustafa – Representative of Palestinian refugees in Host countries
Session 4: 5:30 PM 6:00 PM – Views from the Refugee Camps
5:30PM – Palestinian refugees in Lebanon – Mr. Ali Huwaidi – Director of Palestinian Organization for the Right of Return “Thabit” in Beirut
5:45PM – Palestinian Refugees in Syria – Mr. Tariq Hamoud – Director of Palestinian Return Community “WAJEB” in Syria
6:00 PM Book Launch: Professor Norman Finkelstein
6:15 END