Sweden’s development co-operation in the West Bank and Gaza is built on the Palestinian authority’s reform and development plan (PRDP) from 2007.
The PRDP target is for Palestine to become a stable democratic state with religious freedom, respect for human rights and gender equality. The preconditions should also exist for the creation of a dynamic trade and industry sector.
The PRDP’s targets require the peace process to succeed and Israel to ease its policy of occupation. There are few signs of that happening at present.
New approach following Gaza war
The latest war in Gaza has caused new emergency requirements among the people. Sweden and many other countries have invested extra resources in efforts that include clearing away the debris, rebuilding the agricultural sector and repairing infrastructure.
Many of the projects we have been involved in and financed have been damaged. As a result of the blockade, it is difficult to rebuild houses and other infrastructure. Together with our co-operational partners, we are trying to build what can be built with the resources and material that are already inside Gaza.
We are also working more directly with peacemaking efforts. For example, we are providing support for peaceful dialogue, and to the Palestinian negotiation organization to create a better balance between the parties on a variety of issues, including technical matters.
Creating a democratic Palestinian state
One major area of cooperation concerns human rights, where there are considerable violations, both from Israelis and Palestinians.
We have long been working to support civil society organizations. For example, we have worked together with Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark to create a bureau for human rights, which aims to ensure that resources are being used in the best way.
We have now also begun working directly with public law efforts. Among other things, we are supporting a broad programme that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has produced. One of its purposes is to construct a unified legal system. The current laws have come from an abundance of old systems.
The programme will also improve the legal process and the capabilities of prosecutors, courts and defence lawyers. Up to 80 per cent of Palestinians in Palestinian prisons are waiting for a trial.
We are also working to improve Palestinian trade and industry, and are providing support for a union of different chambers of commerce.
