As United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA), our main vision is to be the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government, promoting its values, objectives and interests, through cooperation between local governments, and within the wider international community.
We believe that the cities are living organisms just like human beings, which grants them rights, just like that of human beings. However, at present time, we unfortunately many witness that Palestinians have been lacking decent life standards in their own cities, and they are facing forced migration, unfortunately. As it the residents that build a city, the current situation is doubtlessly full of violations of rights of not only Palestinians, but also their cities.
More than 60 Palestinians have lost their lives in the recent attacks executed by Israeli forces, and almost 3000 have been injured. We are strongly condemning these violent acts towards the people of the State of Palestine, one of the countries of our region; and underscore that these kinds of incitements create irrecoverable damages for our cities.
As UCLG-MEWA, we will continue to carry out our works for ensuring better living conditions for all, throughout our region, with a reference to the Motion on Jerusalem, adopted during the World Council that United Cities and Local Governments World Organization (UCLG) held in Hangzhou, China, in December 2017. Accordingly;
United Cities and Local Governments, gathered on the occasion of its World Council meeting in Hangzhou on 9 December 2017, affirms:
- The recognition of the status of Jerusalem, defined by international law and conforming to different resolutions;
- The conviction that the rights of the Palestinian people should be upheld and comprehensive solutions should be sought;
- That any solution proposed should foster peace and cohesion for the inhabitants, and should not feed hate or division;
- That the peace process should be protected peace process and any measure that would put it in jeopardy should be avoided;
- That no decision on this topic should be taken unilaterally.
We, local and regional governments gathered in UCLG, reaffirm the supremacy of international law to stabilize international relations, put an end to conflict and maintain the special status of Jerusalem.
As UCLG-MEWA, in line with the principles put forward in this motion adopted by UCLG World Organization, we believe in the vital importance of preserving the unique identity of Jerusalem, the shared heritage of humanity.
We call all leaders of local governments, NGOs, international relief foundations and the relevant agencies of the UN to act in solidarity with the people of Palestine and to stop this human tragedy, in parallel with the international framework built up with the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the Goal 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Mehmet DUMAN
UCLG-MEWA Secretary General