UN Adopts Resolution 194 on Palestinian Refugee Right of Return
United Nations General Assembly passes resolution establishing principles for refugee return and Jerusalem's international status.
LAKE SUCCESS, NY - The United Nations General Assembly today adopted Resolution 194, establishing key principles for resolving the Palestinian refugee crisis and determining Jerusalem’s future status.
The resolution, passed by a vote of 35-15 with 8 abstentions, declares that “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date.” It also calls for compensation for those choosing not to return.
An estimated 700,000 Palestinian Arabs have fled or been expelled from their homes since fighting began in 1947. They now live in refugee camps in neighboring Arab countries, with the largest concentrations in Jordan, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
The resolution also reaffirms that Jerusalem should be placed under international control, administered by the United Nations. This provision has been rejected by both Israel, which controls West Jerusalem, and Jordan, which holds East Jerusalem including the Old City.
Israel voted against the resolution, with Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett arguing that Arab states bear responsibility for the refugee crisis by initiating the war. Arab delegates insisted on unconditional implementation of refugee return.
The resolution establishes a Conciliation Commission to facilitate implementation, but observers note the deep divisions between the parties make progress unlikely. The refugee issue appears set to become a long-term humanitarian and political challenge for the region.