Call for strengthening human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories

Every year at the end of November the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people is celebrated. It is a day to remember that the Palestinian people have not yet achieved certain inalienable rights, including national independence and sovereignty.

The occupation of the Palestinian territory, which has been going on for more than 50 years, is having a negative impact on the lives of the population in many areas: Human rights are insufficiently respected, freedom of movement is severely restricted and people suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma or economic hardship. In addition to life under occupation, very high unemployment and a conservative-patriarchal structure deprive young people of self-determination and control over their future.

Horyzon has been committed to helping young people in the occupied Palestinian territory for 27 years and is committed to helping young people build future prospects despite difficult circumstances. In 2020 Horyzon supports three projects in the West Bank, which are carried out by the partner organisations YMCA East Jerusalem and YWCA Palestine. Horyzon has worked with YMCA East Jerusalem since 1993 and with YWCA Palestine for more than 10 years.

  • In the reintegration program, young people with physical impairments and traumas are supported in achieving professional and social reintegration.
  • The Joint Advocacy Initiative sensitizes young people and adults worldwide to the difficult situation of the Palestinian population and propagates non-violent means to solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
  • The Youth Participate project educates young people about their political, social and economic rights and encourages them to become actively involved in peace and to represent their interests to the Palestinian government. (July 2020 completed)

On the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people, Horyzon and its partner organizations want to draw attention to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Horyzon exhorts all involved actors to respect human rights and to pursue a policy of two-state solution.

News