Introduction:
In the heart of Palestine, on a high hill overlooking the beauty of the Palestinian landscape, the idea of the Youth Village was born—a pioneering initiative by Sharek Youth Forum aimed at empowering Palestinian youth and enhancing their environmental and social awareness. This Village is not merely a site, but an integrated model that brings together education, sports activities, environmental protection, and the preservation of heritage, creating a safe and productive space for youth and families.
Establishment of the Village and Its Concept:
The idea of the Village was founded on three core pillars: the right of youth to a free space to practice activities, the protection of the Palestinian environment, and the preservation of land in the face of settlement expansion. Hundreds of volunteers responded to this vision, contributing to 70 voluntary projects with a total cost of approximately USD 600,000. The Village was designed to include an environmental educational space, a community capacity-building center, areas for outdoor sports, camping zones, and residential facilities—while ensuring the protection of natural resources and traditional Palestinian architectural heritage.
Location and Natural Environment:
The Village is located in the town of Kafr Ni‘ma, 17 km northwest of Ramallah, on an elevated hill that offers breathtaking natural views and a landscape combining hills and valleys. Natural and eco-friendly building materials were used, such as stone, clay, straw, and wood, alongside the sustainable reuse of certain materials. Facilities were named after elements of old Palestinian heritage, such as Al-Saqayef, Al-Houta, Al-Qata’in, Al-‘Illiyeh, Al-Mastaba, and Thahr Al-Dar.
Objectives of the Village:
Empower Palestinian youth to engage in educational, cultural, and sports activities.
Protect the land and strengthen the resilience of Palestinian farmers.
Preserve environmental diversity and protect natural heritage.
Provide a sustainable educational, recreational, and practical environment.
Establish a natural reserve for recreation and various activities.
Promote environmental education and encourage green investment and sustainable practices.
The Village has witnessed the construction of essential facilities, environmental workshops, youth camps, and cultural, sports, and artistic activities. These programs have contributed to developing leadership skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness among thousands of young people.
Attacks Since October.7th. 2023:
Destruction of buildings and facilities, and live fire directed at youth and volunteers.
Theft of equipment, furniture, and logistical tools.
Prevention of youth activities and events.
Restriction of access to the forest surrounding the Village.
Cutting down trees and threatening wildlife.
Prevention of olive harvesting.
Opening new settlement roads and strengthening infrastructure for settlements.
Coordinated attacks between settlers and occupation forces.
International Legal Dimensions:
The destruction of facilities and restriction of access constitute violations of international legal obligations.
Targeting civilian youth infrastructure represents a breach of international humanitarian law.
Depriving youth of safe spaces undermines their rights to education, participation, and protection.
The Village constitutes protected civilian property under international standards.
The National Campaign to Support and Advocate for the Youth Village:
The campaign was launched to protect the Village and its surrounding areas, raise awareness of ongoing violations, and ensure youth can exercise their rights to learning and civic participation.
Key Messages of the Campaign:
Protection of Palestinian and Youth Presence:
The Youth Village represents a vital civic space integrating education, culture, sports, and Palestinian heritage. It is a symbol of the Palestinian right to land and environment. Protecting this presence from occupation and settlement expansion is a top priority to safeguard the civil rights of youth and the community.
Youth’s Right to Safe Spaces:
Palestinian youth deserve a safe educational and recreational environment that enables them to learn, engage in activities, and participate freely in community life. The Village provides this model space, offering real protection from restrictions and repression.
Commitment to International Law and Human Rights:
The ongoing attacks on the Village constitute violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, including the protection of civilian infrastructure and Palestinians’ rights to land and agriculture. Preserving the Village ensures respect for international legal standards and affirms Palestinians’ right to a dignified life and education.
Importance of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity:
The Youth Village is a leading model for protecting the Palestinian environment and biodiversity. Preserving nature, sustainable resources, and environmental and educational facilities from destruction or pollution is an essential part of our mission.
Empowering Civil Society and Strengthening Youth Leadership:
Defending the Village strengthens the role of Palestinian civil society and affirms youth’s capacity to lead sustainable, community-based initiatives. Supporting the Village reinforces values of empowerment, volunteering, leadership, and innovation among youth.
Local and International Solidarity and Mobilizing Rights-Based Support:
Support must be mobilized from local and international actors, as well as legal and human rights organizations, to ensure the protection of the Village and allow youth to exercise their civil rights freely and safely.
Continued Legal Action and Accountability:
We will continue pursuing a clear legal path to address violations and file legal cases against any attacks on the Village and its facilities, to ensure the continuity of the initiative and the protection of the civil rights of Palestinian youth.
Campaign Mechanisms:
Organizing field activities to enhance community awareness.
Launching local and international media campaigns to disseminate information about violations.
Engaging with human rights organizations and international institutions to protect the Village and follow up on violations.
Using social media to share information and expand support.
Coordinating efforts between civil society and local youth institutions to strengthen impact.
Conclusion:
The Youth Village represents a comprehensive model for youth, development, and environmental initiatives in Palestine, providing a unique educational, sports, and developmental space for Palestinian youth. The National Campaign to Support and Advocate for the Youth Village constitutes a national and legal response to protect the Village and the rights of youth and farmers, and seeks to expand local and international support to ensure the sustainability of the initiative and safeguard Palestinian presence in these natural and educational spaces.
