Trinity Researchers Raise Grave Concerns for Palestinian Bedouins 

Posted on: 08 July 2021

Concerns for the Palestinian Bedouin Community in the Middle-East have kick-started an investigation by researchers from Trinity College Dublin into what they regard as the forcible transfer of the minority community from Jerusalem.

The Bedouin who are living at the sharp edge of the situation in Israel-Palestine have become key players in the region as they are at the front line of Israeli settlement expansion, whilst simultaneously facing unique humanitarian vulnerabilities.

Dr Brendan Ciaran Browne, Co-Researcher and Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution, Trinity College Dublin says:

Living and working in Palestine, for the past 11 years, I’ve seen first-hand the grave injustices that the Bedouin face. Their humanitarian vulnerability involves not only the threat of forced displacement, but also issues to do with accessing basic human needs like water, grazing lands, educational opportunities. This research is so vital because without spotlighting the imminent forced displacement of the Bedouin, their very livelihoods will be further destroyed.

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast, Liverpool John Moores University and Al Quds University are gathering evidence that will add a further layer of knowledge about the Palestinian communities impacted, complimenting extensive investigations under way before the International Criminal Court on the situation in Palestine. The work will highlight the impact of protracted impunity for violations of International Law against these communities and how it contributes to the deterioration of humanitarian vulnerabilities.

Dr Browne continues:

Critical Peace and Conflict scholars must use their position of privilege to call out injustice. Many Palestinians across the region are experiencing the threat of forcible transfer in real time and the Bedouin communities remain particularly vulnerable. Beyond academic work, as engaged activists, we need to ensure we do all in our power to halt these possible war crimes and call on all governments, including our own, to intervene on this most pressing issue.

The research has been awarded a grant of £452,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK) and is a collaborative project between Trinity College Dublin, Queens University Belfast, Liverpool John Moores University and Al Quds University.

More about the research can be found here.

ENDS