The possibilities of peacebuilding among young Palestinian refugees : a study of the views and voices of Palestinian refugee youth at the Ibdaa Cultural Center, Dheisheh refugee camp, West Bank, Palestine

Abstract

This thesis examines Palestinian youth participation in peacebuilding initiatives, by focusing on young refugees at the Ibdaa Cultural Center in Dheisheh refugee camp, West Bank, occupied Palestine. The study documented young Palestinian refugees' unique perspectives about peace and their involvement in peacebuilding activities at the Ibdaa Cultural Center to end the current Israeli occupation. The methodology and analysis for the study incorporated a feminist ethnographic approach. Through participant observation and an analysis of participants' interview responses, the study found that participants see themselves as contributing to a rights-based peacebuilding process that looks towards future development, stability and security in their region. Leadership building and public education initiatives are seen as the most effective means to resist the occupation. Participants' views are that "real" peace is not just an absence of violence but one that is tantamount to social justice, self-determination and the enjoyment of rights and freedoms. Palestinian refugee youth make up the largest proportion of Palestinians today; for this reason, their perspectives are particularly valuable when envisaging both peacebuilding and post-conflict development in Palestine.