The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization experienced in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC Palestine advocates for the rights of displaced populations and helps within the shelter, food security, water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors.
NRC Palestine is looking for a consultant for an expert opinion. Enclosed please find attached RFQ PSJ 32-2024 for Expert Opinion: The International Law Framework Regarding Israel’s Environmental Violations and Responsibilities as an Occupying Power. Please complete the RFQ document and provide additional information as requested. Your quotations should be submitted via email to the address ps.procurement@nrc.no
Please note that this is an extension of the first announcement and the updated deadline for submission of quotations is Monday, August19, 2024, at 17:00pm Jerusalem Time.
The primary goal of the expert opinion is to consolidate, identify, and present the international
environmental legal framework applicable to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem which is
under Israeli occupation, which will serve as expert evidence in legal cases being prepared by
various legal actors, including ICLA, and to support Palestinian and international efforts in raising
awareness of environmental violations in Palestine. This expert opinion is further expected to
provide guidance for humanitarian and other actors on the mechanisms for documenting the
breaches and violations conducted against the environmental rights of Palestinians as occupied
people.
This opinion should provide an analysis of the international legal framework that deals with the
environmental rights of the Palestinian people and the violations undertaken by Israel as an
occupying power against the environment including – but not limited to international human Rights
Law (IHRL), International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Environmental Law (IEL), the
variety of conventions (most of which were ratified by Israel and the Palestinian state) related to
the environment such as the Basil convention on the control of the transboundary movements of
Hazardous wastes and their disposal, the convention of biological diversity and others.
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The expert opinion should address the occupying power’s responsibilities and obligations under
international law to respect and protect the environment and natural resources of the occupied
population according to relevant IHL treaties and provisions.
Additionally, the opinion should explore the available international mechanisms for reparations and
accountability for the harm caused by the occupying power to the environment and the
environmental rights of Palestinians.
The research should also showcase the international protection mechanisms for Palestinians to
achieve environmental justice. It should also include relevant provisions of international law and
case studies from other countries that highlight the environmental rights of indigenous peoples.
Additionally, the expert opinion will examine the impact of the Israeli occupation’s policies on the
Palestinian environment specifically in Area C and East Jerusalem using the examples specified in
the factual background of this TOR and all other types of environmental violations, noting that the
expert should not be not limited to the examples stipulated in the factual background and should
explore and provide more detailed examples of the Israeli violations against the environment. The
paper should also explore Israel’s use of environmental control to exert dominance over Palestinian
lands in Area C and the West Bank, while simultaneously projecting an image of environmental
stewardship.
How to apply
In the link above you will find the RFQ form and the ToR for the consultancy. Your quotations should be submitted via email to the address ps.procurement@nrc.no