History

For over fifty years, Palestinian society has faced tremendous social, economic, and political challenges that have prevented the development of comprehensive national programs in health, education, culture, recreation, and social affairs.

The 1994 partial Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza strip and the subsequent emergence of the Palestinian National Authority provided the opportunity to plan systematically for the welfare of Palestinian children. During the first half of 1995, a broad-based Steering Committee representing various governmental and non-government agencies, including UN Agencies, developed the framework for a five year Agenda for Social Renewal to comprehensively and holistically address children’s needs.

Mission and Function

In line with the Agenda for Social Renewal, the National Plan of Action for Palestinian Children has organized a body of governmental and local and international non-governmental agencies throughout Palestine that work jointly and collaboratively in planning national programs for children. The overall strategy is to strengthen the human, social, and capital resources within our society by targeting efforts that will improve the lives of children. The NPA Secretariat, established in 1996, oversees the implementation of the various programs and advocates for child-related issues.

Collaboration

The NPA works in close collaboration with governmental and non-governmental agencies. The NPA is composed of government representatives from the Ministries of Planning and International Cooperation, Information, Justice, Health, Education, Social Affairs, Culture, Labor, and Youth and Sports , as well as NGO coalition representatives, UNRWA, UNICEF, and the Swedish Government.