Middle East & North Africa-arkiv

Tent schools brought hope to children in Gaza

During the year, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened. Civilians have faced starvation as the Israeli government blocked emergency aid whilst the bombings continued.

Safe haven for children

In the midst of the war, the Palme Center’s partner Pyalara set up simple tent schools for children in Gaza. There, children could receive lessons in Arabic, English and mathematics – but also draw, sing and play.

For many, the schools provided a moment of safety in an otherwise dangerous and uncertain existence. In total, the initiative reached over 700 children aged between 7 and 13.

Thanks to the solidarity of many people in Sweden, support from the Palme Center’s fundraising campaign has been able to be channeled to civil society organisations helping the people of Gaza.

Creating jobs and further strengthening people

In addition to the tent schools, the organisation Democracy Workers Rights Center (DWRC), for example, has carried out initiatives during the year to create jobs and strengthen people’s ability to support themselves in the midst of the disaster, including through vocational training and short-term employment schemes.

From displacement to self-sufficiency in Palestine

In the Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank, a group of displaced women have moved from a state of insecurity and dependency to greater self-confidence and self-reliance.

Empowering women through education

Through leadership and vocational training, they have strengthened their skills, built networks and begun to formulate their own plans for the future. Over the course of the year, several of the women have been able to start contributing to their families’ livelihoods, create small businesses, and even educate university students in their vocational skills.

The initiative is run by the Palme Center’s partner HDIP, a civil society organisation working to empower marginalised women and young people through education, networking and local advocacy. With a clear grassroots foundation, the organisation mobilises local groups, helps them become active agents of change and to hold decision-makers accountable.

From student to mentor

One of the participants is Fatima from Tulkarem.

After taking part in HDIP’s economic empowerment programme, she developed her skills through vocational training and started her own business. With support from the organisation she has also gone from being a participating student to becoming a mentor, educating university students herself.

Fatima’s journey shows how the combination of psychosocial support, education and economic empowerment can transform trauma into agency. Today, she is not only an entrepreneur – but a role model for other women in the camp and proof that even in the shadow of conflict, new opportunities can emerge.

More young people may run for election in Palestine

In Palestine, young people can vote from the age of 18, but until recently they were not allowed to candidate for local elections until they turned 25.

This contradiction excluded a large group of young people from political decision-making.

Through long-term advocacy work led by the youth organisation Pyalara, this has now been changed. In 2021, the organisation formed a coalition with over 80 civil society organisations, which launched a national campaign to lower the age limit.

The campaign combined public awareness-raising, dialogue with decision-makers and the mobilization of young people across the country. Young people themselves were at the heart of the campaign – they took part in debates with politicians, engaged local leaders and kept the issue alive even when election processes were postponed.

Breakthrough in policy change

In November 2025, President Mahmoud Abbas finally issued a decree lowering the minimum age to run as candidate in local elections from 25 to 23.

The reform did not go all the way to meet the campaign’s original demand of 18, but nevertheless marks a clear victory for civil society’s advocacy work.

This change opens politics to a new generation. Young people will have greater opportunities to participate in local decision-making on issues such as education, employment, public services and local development. The reform also strengthens the confidence in peaceful democratic processes and demonstrates that organised young people can make real political change themselves.

Dialogue on an inclusive and peaceful transition in Syria

Following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria faces a crucial crossroad: a peaceful political transition or continued instability.

After 14 years of war and five decades of brutal dictatorial rule, there is a strong desire among Syrians to build a new society characterised by peace, democracy and inclusion.

The Palme Center therefore, together with SILC and the Swedish Institute for Dialogue in Amman, brought together representatives from different sections of Syrian society for a meeting regarding the way forward for the country. The participants came from diverse political and social backgrounds and met to discuss how Syria’s future system of government can reflect the country’s multifaceted society.

Dialogue on possible ways forward

During the discussions, issues such as peaceful coexistence, coalition-building and equal representation between women and men were raised. By also drawing on experiences from other countries that have undergone political transitions, the participants were able to identify common challenges and possible ways forward.

Legal Aid strengthen legal protection for trans women in Turkey

In 2025, Palme Center’s partner organisation Legal Aid helped to strengthen legal protection for trans women subjected to violence and arbitrary arrests. Ahead of Trans Pride Week in Istanbul, the organisation, together with the human rights organisation HRA Istanbul, coordinated on-site legal support during the demonstrations. Lawyers were present as observers and were able to intervene immediately when trans women were arrested.

Faster releases and documentation of human rights violations

These efforts led to faster releases and encouraged more trans women who had been subjected to violence to report abuse and initiate legal proceedings. The organisation also documented violations of human rights during arrests and in custody, which strengthened the legal possibilities of pursuing the cases further.

Raising political awareness for violence against trans women

Through joint actions with other human rights organisations, violence against trans women was highlighted through social media, panels and public discussions. Several cases were subsequently raised politically and brought to the attention of the Turkish parliament through questions and interpellations from MPs.