Rights-based approaches to the return of Palestinian refugees

This chapter will investigate durable solutions to the ongoing displacement of Palestinians from the viewpoint of Palestinian refugees and their right to return. Our analysis takes into consideration the evolution of the historical and political context of the conflict in the past century and offers a rightsbased analysis of future options. Conventional approaches to the conflict have tended to be based on either political pragmatism or humanitarian assistance. By focusing on rights, we will address the root causes of the ongoing displacement of Palestinians – which we identify as forced population transfer, colonialism, and apartheid – and outline the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people. Our approach has its basis in international law, but it is also inf luenced by the best practices exemplified by other states and by transitional justice theories.