Policy

06 Mar 09

Home demolition in occupied Palestine is a big threat to human security

Without human security in the occupied Palestinian territory development aid cannot be effective, according to an Oxford researcher in a paper for a new report The Lancet Series on Health in the Occupied Palestinian Territory published today.

The paper’s lead author Rajaie Batniji, from Oxford University, says more than US$9 billion in international aid has poured into the region, but without a basic framework to safeguard human security even such large sums of money cannot promote development.

The paper argues that social determinants of health (the social and economic conditions under which people live that affect health) are so dire that development aid and health interventions cannot improve overall health and well-being.

Mr Batniji says the international community is neglecting the root cause of the problem. He recommends that the focus of the international community should shift towards reinforcing the international norms and laws that protect human security, and protecting and enhancing social networks, while at the same time finding a long-term solution through the political process.

Rajaie Batniji, from the Department of Politics and International Relations, provides a synthesis of data quantifying the scale of threats to the security of those living in the occupied Palestinian territory. The data from Israeli and Palestinian NGOs, international agencies and academic studies provides a comprehensive view of the threats that have intensified since 2000.

According to the paper, social resilience in the face of these threats has also started to break down due in part to clashes between Fatah and Hamas forces.

His paper looks at health through the World Health Organisation’s definition of ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. He quantifies the scale of the threats to human security: both direct, such as gunfire, aerial bombing, and home demolition; and indirect, such as economic restrictions leading to widespread poverty.

Severe movement restrictions and the separation wall, under construction since 2002, also have an impact on health by creating a feeling of permanent distress as well as obstructing access to healthcare facilities, the study argues.

Mr Batniji said: ‘While the causes of social exclusion, unemployment and hunger need “uncovering” in other parts of the world, in the occupied Palestinian territory social determinants of health are eight metres tall and others turn buildings to rubble. 

‘Despite the disbursement of more than nine billion dollars intended for Palestinian development and capacity building since 1994, little development has happened. In fact, evidence suggests a ‘de-development’ or deterioration in living standards is happening. This study suggests that in the absence of human security, development efforts will not succeed because they must be built on a platform of human survival requirements and basic psychological needs.

‘Political solutions that improve Palestinian security will simultaneously reduce threats to physical, mental and social health. By identifying and communicating the link between human security threats and health conditions, Palestinian health can become an integral part of the political solution to this conflict.’