In line with its goals to strengthen the capacities of local government units (LGUs), enhance emergency response mechanisms, and promote inclusion and gender mainstreaming within LGUs, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) held a specialized workshop titled LGU Contribution to Confronting Forced Displacement from the Refugee Camps in Jenin and Tulkarem. Held via Zoom, the session brought together 12 representatives from the APLA Taskforce for the Inclusion of Marginalized Groups. It aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the legal and operational framework for emergency interventions and facilitate the exchange of practical experiences among LGUs to improve community-driven responses.
Nisreen Mansour, APLA Activity Coordinator, made a presentation on the legal framework that authorizes LGUs to carry out emergency interventions under the LGU Law. Mansour stressed the importance of providing shelter, basic services, psychosocial support, food, and medical assistance to affected communities. The presentation also highlighted powers to emergency shelter, essential service provision, and inclusive interventions that ensure all community members are covered.
Bashir Mutahin, Director of Public Relations and Media at Jenin Municipality, shared the municipality’s intensive field efforts to provide shelter, psychological support, and relief services to displaced people. Mutahin outlined the emergency aid distribution plans, mechanisms of communication with affected families, and community awareness-raising programs aimed at ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups in service provision.
Eng. Ala’ I’teir, Director of Roads and Public Works Department at Tulkarem Municipality, presented details of engineering and service-related measures implemented by the municipality to facilitate service delivery to displaced persons. These included clearing debris from roads and streets, paving access roads to refugee camps, maintaining water and electricity networks, and executing basic infrastructure repair projects. I’teir also highlighted social and financial support programs provided to displaced families to enhance their stability and ensure a safe living environment.
This workshop was part of the Municipal Technical Exchange Hubs, implemented in partnership with the GIZ Local Governance Reform Program (LGRP). These include six core hubs: Engineering and Planning, Financial Management, Public Relations, Innovation and Creativity, Sustainable Development Goals, and Village Councils.
