UN 1994 THE REALIZATION OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS

The Palestinians' Right to Adequate Housing in East Jerusalem

Introduction

Habitat International Coalition (HIC) and the Palestine Human Rights Information Center (PHRIC) express concerns regarding the housing crisis faced by Palestinians in East Jerusalem. While Israel provides adequate housing for its Jewish population, it neglects Palestinians, contravening article 11.1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Status of Jerusalem

Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and claims de jure sovereignty over the whole city. However, it is legally recognized as occupied territory under various United Nations Security Council resolutions. Any attempt by Israel to alter life in the city through land expropriation or other actions affects its legal status.

Demographics of East Jerusalem

A 1967 census indicated a Palestinian population of 66,000 in East Jerusalem versus a small Jewish population. By June 1993, the Jewish population had grown to 155,000 due to policies aimed at limiting Palestinian residency to 24% of the city's population, with bureaucratic restrictions to facilitate this.

Israeli Housing Policies

  1. House Demolitions and Land Confiscation: Palestinian homes are demolished under claims of lacking permits, which are challenging for Palestinians to secure. Since mid-1986, over 210 homes have been demolished, at a rate of approximately 50 homes per year.

  2. Settlements: The Jerusalem Master Plan reserves significant land for Jewish settlements, leaving scant building space for Palestinians. Portions of Palestinian land are regularly expropriated for Israeli settlements, further decreasing their land access.

  3. Disparate Treatment: Palestinians face discriminatory regulations in housing, such as restrictions on building height and disparity in municipal services distribution, exacerbating their housing conditions.

Effects on Palestinian Residents

These discriminatory policies lead to significant Palestinian emigration from East Jerusalem. A 1993 study indicated high emigration rates due to housing shortages. For those remaining, housing density issues arise, with Palestinians facing severely limited living conditions compared to their Israeli counterparts. Psychological distress and other social issues have also arisen due to these oppressive housing policies.

Conclusion

The current housing conditions for Palestinians in East Jerusalem signify a violation of their right to adequate housing, rooted in principles of non-discrimination and equality in land relations. The rapid expansion of Israeli settlements and the resulting land confiscation threaten the existence of Palestinian housing and community. Therefore, urgent action is necessary to address these violations to prevent irreversible harm to the Palestinian population's living conditions.