After decades of displacement, violent conflict and restricted access to basic services like healthcare and education, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees now live in camps around the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Right To Play has made a difference in the lives of many Palestinian refugees with activities that help youth manage trauma associated with violence and war and encourage their participation within the community.
Since 2003, Right To Play has been implementing sport and play programming in the Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza) in co-operation with UN agencies and local community partners. These programs aim to build youth leadership, raise awareness of child rights and improve the physical, emotional and social health of children and youth in disadvantaged and refugee communities in the Palestinian territories, especially girls and children living with disability.
In June 2009, Right To Play’s team in the Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza) hosted Mr. Wilfried Lemke, United Nations Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, for a visit to their project locations. The purpose of his visit was to assess the needs of the Palestinian people in regards to sports and to learn more about Right To Play’s programs and activities in the West Bank.
Wilfried Lemke, United Nations Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace, thanked Right To Play for their wonderful work, and extended his support in promoting Sport for Development throughout the Palestinian territories.
Mr. Lemke, who leads the UN’s efforts to support Sport for Development and Peace, confirmed his belief in the organization’s mission and expressed his on-going support for its efforts, after witnessing the positive impact of Right To Play’s work on the lives of the children.
Right To Play staff escorted Mr. Lemke around several schools and community centres at Palestinian refugee camps, where he observed children participating in activity sessions and learned about the local communities’ needs in regards to child and youth development. He also met representatives from Right To Play’s partners in the Palestinian territories, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Youth and Sport, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, all of whom support and work with Right To Play in the effort to improve the lives of local children.
Ultimately, the children who possess the crucial life skills taught through Right To Play’s programs will serve as catalysts for healthier, happier and more peaceful communities.