Contribution to the humanitarian Access Support Unit (ASU) in the occupied Palestinian territory
Coordinated access is key for the humanitarian response to the Gaza strip and the West Bank. Switzerland supports the work of the Access Support Unit (ASU) – the UN body that facilities humanitarian access for people and goods in dialogue with relevant authorities in a critical moment. The Swiss contribution is part of the international burden sharing. It supports the timely and safe delivery of humanitarian and development assistance and is to direct benefit of Switzerland’s activities in the oPt.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupied Palestinian Territory |
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Humanitarian efficiency
Protection, access & security |
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2025 |
CHF 625’000
|
- Analysis and policy recommendations to inform high Level policy dialogue on access of people and goods is undertaken
- Follow-up on agreed recommendations from High Level Political Dialogue is undertaken and progress reports issued
- UN agencies and NGOs receive coordinated technical access support for the movement of staff in accordance with humanitarian principles, and international law to better direct assistance to the civilian population
- Policies and practices that restrict humanitarian space are addressed through a common approach to humanitarian access and coordinated negotiation efforts
- Information, analysis, and messaging on restrictions to humanitarian space, including gendered dimensions, are made publicly available to support advocacy efforts with regards to access of the civilian population and basic service provision
- United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Relief co-ordination; protection and support services
Material relief assistance and services
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F12000
| Background | Access and movement restrictions on goods and people differ greatly across the oPt, primarily due to the range of political, administrative and security measures implemented by Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian, and Palestinian authorities. These restrictions increase the impoverishment and vulnerability of Palestinians within the oPt, and directly impede humanitarian and development operations. The hostilities in Gaza that broke out on 07 October 2023, has imposed additional restrictions on the import of goods and the freedom of movement of Palestinians, but also of international humanitarian staff. Violence and access restrictions have also increased in the West Bank. In dialogue with the respective authorities, the ASU helps facilitate access for the delivery of humanitarian and development assistance and advance the protection of civilians in the oPt. |
| Objectives | Improved access of staff and goods to deliver humanitarian and development assistance to communities in the oPt. |
| Target groups |
Direct beneficiaries: Staff of Member States/donors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs Indirect beneficiaries: Beneficiaries of humanitarian and development projects, local population |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: High level political advocacy on access in the oPt is ensured Outcome 2: Access of people is facilitated Outcome 3: Access of goods and materials is facilitated |
| Results |
Expected results: |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 625’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 500’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 3’684’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 625’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2025 (Current phase) |
