Resolution 194

Definition

Resolution 194 is a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in December 1948, which addresses the situation of Palestinian refugees and calls for their right to return to their homes. This resolution is significant as it underscores the UN's role in promoting the rights of displaced individuals and establishes a framework for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a just solution to the refugee issue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 194 was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 11, 1948, during the first session following the establishment of Israel.
2. The resolution calls for the return of Palestinian refugees who wish to return to their homes and compensation for those who choose not to return.
3. It established the UN Conciliation Commission for Palestine (UNCCP) to facilitate peace negotiations and address the refugee issue.
4. Resolution 194 is often cited in discussions regarding international law and the legitimacy of refugee rights, impacting subsequent negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
5. The resolution has been reaffirmed multiple times by the UN General Assembly, highlighting its enduring relevance in discussions about peace and resolution in the region.

Review Questions

• How does Resolution 194 reflect the role of the UN General Assembly in addressing humanitarian crises?
  • Resolution 194 exemplifies the UN General Assembly's function in addressing humanitarian issues by establishing a legal framework for Palestinian refugees' rights. It emphasizes the international community's responsibility to protect displaced individuals and facilitate their right to return or receive compensation. This resolution reflects a broader commitment within the UN system to uphold human rights and seek solutions to conflicts that result in mass displacement.
• Discuss the implications of Resolution 194 for future peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
  • Resolution 194 has significant implications for future peace negotiations as it explicitly addresses the issue of Palestinian refugees. By asserting their right to return and emphasizing compensation, it sets a benchmark for discussions surrounding refugee status in any potential peace agreement. The acknowledgment of this resolution by both parties can serve as a critical step toward resolving one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, fostering dialogue on reconciliation and coexistence.
• Evaluate how Resolution 194 interacts with other international laws and resolutions concerning refugee rights and state sovereignty.
  • Resolution 194 interacts with other international laws and norms concerning refugee rights by reinforcing principles established in documents like the 1951 Refugee Convention. It challenges state sovereignty by asserting that individuals have a right to return to their homeland regardless of political circumstances. This tension between individual rights and state interests complicates international relations, particularly in contexts like Israel-Palestine, where statehood and self-determination are at stake. Understanding this interaction is crucial for comprehensively assessing ongoing efforts toward justice for refugees.

Related terms

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): A UN agency established to provide assistance and protection for Palestinian refugees, focusing on education, health care, and social services.

Right of Return: The principle that allows individuals to return to their country of origin or to the place where they have a right to reside, particularly in relation to Palestinian refugees.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A long-standing geopolitical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians over land, sovereignty, and national identity, which has roots dating back to the early 20th century.