Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza face conditions of crippling poverty. Human rights violations are a serious concern, as is the lack of basic infrastructure such as sewerage systems and access to clean water.
ActionAid in the occupied Palestinian territories
ActionAid Australia has been coordinating and supporting humanitarian aid and development projects in the occupied Palestinian territories since 1980. Our current Neighbourhood Corners project focuses on increasing the capacity of local community based organisations (CBOs) to implement development activities that respond to community needs.
In partnership with Bethlehem University ActionAid is providing CBOs with small grants to deliver community emergency and development priorities to increase access to education, livelihoods and psychological activities. ActionAid is also working in partnership with Asala Micro-finance Institute to provide poor women with small business loans to establish their own businesses. This Neighbourhood Corner model of community development helps increase self-reliance of refugee and non-refugee women and youth in the West Bank by promoting their active participation in community affairs and promoting economic self-reliance.
Essential Stats
| Palestinian territories | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,018,000(2009) | 21.5 million (2009) |
| Area | 6,020 km2 | 7,703,581 km2 |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $5.6 billion (2008) | $970.6 billion (2009) |
| GDP per capita | $1,553 (2008) | $44,958 (2009) |
| Human Development Index | 0.731 (2006) | 0.965 (2005) |
| Life expectancy (male/female) | 75/71.8 (2005-2010) | 79/84 (2005-2010) |
| Adult literacy (%) | 92.4 (2007) |
99 (1995-2055) |
Sources: IMF, UN data, Human Development Index, UN statistics
