KHAN YOUNIS,GAZA | PALESTINE - PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT - UN-Habitat
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PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT KHAN YOUNIS,GAZA | PALESTINE Eliminating Violence Against Women in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
Copyright © United Nations Human Settlements Programme
(UN-Habitat) 2020
All rights reserved
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
P.O. Box 30030 00100 Nairobi GPO KENYA
Tel: 254-020-7623120 (Central Office)
www.unhabitat.org
DISCLAIMER
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this report do
not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of
the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area
or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries, or
regarding its economic system or degree of development. The analysis, conclusions
and recommendations of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the
United Nations Human Settlements Programme or its Governing Council.
Reference in this publication of any specific commercial products, brand names,
processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not
constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by UN-Habitat or its
officers, nor does such reference constitute an endorsement of UN-Habitat.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily represent the views and official policies of UN Women, UNFPA,
UN-Habitat, UNODC, and those of the United Nations or any of its affiliated
organizations, or those of the Government of Canada.
All graphics in this report are produced by UN-Habitat unless specified otherwise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report is part of the HAYA Joint Programme: Eliminating Violence Against
Women, funded by the Government of Canada.The enthusiastic help and efforts
from the data collectors in Khan Younis City is acknowledged in the gathering of
all the public space data presented in this report. Special thanks to the Khan Younis
Municiaplity and the Ministry of Local Government for the support towards the
HAYA Joint Programme.
Programme Managers: Cecilia Andersson, Lubna Shaheen
Contributors UN-Habitat HQ: Cecilia Andersson, Joy Mutai, Lucy
Donnelly, Mark Ojal
Contributors UN-Habitat Palestine: Lubna Shaheen, Farid Al Qeeq, Rami
Abuzuhri
Analysis and GIS Support : Joy Mutai
Report Design and Layout: Joy Mutai
PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
PALESTINE · GAZA · KHAN YOUNIS
PUBLIC SPACE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
CONTENTS
Background...............................................................................................................6 What ARE THE SAFETY CONCERNS IN PUBLIC SPACES?.....................................................................................................................................42
WHICH DIMENSIONS ARE STRONG IN PUBLIC SPACES?......................................................................................................................................49
GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON SAFETY, GENDER AND PUBLIC SPACE............................................................................8
UN-Habitat’s Global Public Space Programme................................................................................................10 ENVISIONING KHAN YOUNIS CITY.........................................................................50
UN-Habitat IN PALESTINE................................................................................................................................................12 VALIDATION WORKSHOP...................................................................................................................................................52
HAYA JOINT PROGRAMME..................................................................................................................................................15 Where are the gaps?.......................................................................................................................................................54
Where SHOULD KHAN YOUNIS ANCHOR PUBLIC SPACES?....................................................................................56
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................16
Public Space as an accelerator to implementing the Strategic Development and investment plan (SDIP)......56
ABOUT GAZA STRIP..............................................................................................................................................................18
INSTITUTIONAL AND PUBLIC SPACE PROGRAMME SET-UP...............................................................................................................................57
STATE OF PUBLIC SPACES....................................................................................................................................................22
Vision for KHAN YOUNIS................................................................................................................................................58
Scope and focus: KHAN YOUNIS.................................................................................................................................24
GOALS AND STRATEGIES.....................................................................................................................................................59
Objectives and Methodology of the project ..............................................................................................26
Improve the spatial distribution of public spaces................................................................................................................................60
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS............................................................................................30 Promote diversity of use and progamming of public spaces..........................................................................................................62
GENERAL STATE OF open PUBLIC SPACEs....................................................................................................................32 Improve public space infrastructure............................................................................................................................................................64
Create and promote rules and regulation around public space................................................................................................66
GENERAL STATE OF open PUBLIC SPACEs....................................................................................................................34
How safe are public spaces?........................................................................................................................................36 ANNEXES AND REFERENCES....................................................................................68
wHAT ARE THE AMENITIES PRESENT IN THE PUBLIC SPACE?...........................................................................................................................36 ANNEX......................................................................................................................................................................................70
How are people using public spaces?...............................................................................................................................................................37 DIGITAL QUESTIONNAIRE............................................................................................................................................................................................70
Who are the users of public spaces?................................................................................................................................................................38 FOCUS GROUP WORKSHEET for data validation..........................................................................................................................................71
What are the opportunities for ‘stay’ in the public spaces?............................................................................................................40 PERFORMANCE OF EACH OPEN PUBLIC SPACE......................................................................................................................................................72
How accessible ARE THE PUBLIC SPACES?...........................................................................................................................................................41
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................................................................74
Page 4
PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
DEFINITIONS
Antisocial behaviour
Anti-social behaviours are acts that create community concern. These range from misuses of public space, such Pluri-funtional spaces
as fighting or drug use and dealing, to disregard for community safety, such as dangerous driving or drunk and Spaces with different kinds of activities at the same time.
disorderly behaviour. Other examples include acts that cause environmental damage, such as graffiti or litter.
Anti-social behaviour can range from what is socially unacceptable through to acts that break the law. Public space
All places publicly owned or of public use, accessible and enjoyable by all for free and without a profit motive.
Experiences of crime/harassment UN-Habitat categorises public spaces into streets, open public spaces, and public facilities.
To encounter/undergone a form of crime or harassment,
Sexual Harassment
Gender equity Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or
The process of being fair to both women and men. To ensure fairness, measures must be available to gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be
compensate for historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from operating on a level perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another.
playing field. Gender equity strategies are used to eventually attain gender equality. Equity is the means and
equality is the result. Social problems
A social problem is any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and
Harassment that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed.
Harassment is any improper and unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to
cause offence or humiliation to another person. Harassment may take the form of words, gestures or actions
Urban Safety
which tend to annoy, alarm, abuse, demean, intimidate, belittle, humiliate or embarrass another or which
Safety does not only mean lack of criminal behavior, fear or aggression. Safety points to the certainty of being
create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
respected as an individual at the physical, social and psychological levels. ‘Safety’ goes beyond the multiple
ways of crime and violence. In fact, safety is firstly a foundation for the deployment of human abilities,
Infrastructural problems freedom, solidarity, multiculturalism and creativity. Safety does not only cover the individual’s life, but
Issues related to the physical state of public spaces. embraces also society and the city. Safety is also a social value, since it is the foundation for the common good
of societies that allows a fair and equitable development for all its members. Safety is one of the pillars of good
Mono-functional spaces governance and is the basis of freedom and equality for people’s full and equal
Spaces that are limited to only one activity.
Walkability
Multi-functional spaces Defines much more than just providing citizen with “the ability to walk”. Several characteristics result in
Spaces that are used for different types of activities at different times of the day. optimal walkability such as physical access, places and proximity. Defining a walkable neighbourhood extends
beyond pedestrian concerns, as the ability to walk in a neighborhood indicates not only a type of mobility
and means of travel, but also a type of sociability between neighbors, which, together, likely affect the
Perception of safety physical, mental, and health of people in the community.
A generalized judgment about the chance of crime. Different times of day, and physical location may affect
perception of safety.
Page 5
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
1
Page 6
PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
Background
• Global Framework
• UN-Habitat’s Public Space Programme
• UN-Habitat in Palestine
• HAYA Joint Programme
Page 7
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON
SAFETY, GENDER AND PUBLIC
SPACE
While cities are powerful engines of
SDG 6 SDG 7 SDG 15 SDG 17
development and innovation, they are
also home to slums and many millions Women and girls play a central role As primary energy managers in Women and girls play a central role Women and girls play a central role
of vulnerable women and girls. Sexual in the provision, management and the households, women can play in the provision, management and in the provision, management and
harassment and other forms of violence safeguarding of household water a powerful role in the successful safeguarding of household water safeguarding of household water
against women and girls in public and sanitation transition to sustainable energy for all and sanitation and sanitation
spaces are present in cities as well rural
areas, and even in online spaces. As a
result, it is an impediment to the rights
of women and girls to the city, and to
enjoy the opportunities of urbanization.
The outcome is often gender exclusion
and the lack of participation of women
and girls in development.
With the 2030 Agenda, governments
will need to choose strategies and
interventions that have the greatest
impacts across a number of goals and SDG 5 SDG 12
targets. The ‘safe cities’ idea for women Gender equality is central to the
SDG 11 Unsustainable production
includes their equal right to the city and SDGs, and if it is not achieved, the Women have equal rights to the city, and consumption patterns are
public places within it, which includes implementation of all the goals will and their safety in public spaces is gendered, with women suffering
their right to be mobile in the city at be compromised disproportionately from resource
crucial for sustainable urbanization:
any time of the day, as well as their right scarcity and natural disasters resulting
to idle in public spaces without any
Target 11.7 from climate change
threats of harassment or sexual violence.
The global community agreed that Gender equality in the Agenda 2030 adopted from UN-Women © UN-Habitat
public space plays a key role in achieving
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
cities and human settlements. This
means that interventions in public space
can support achievement in several other
60% 2.2% 90%
targets within the 2030 Agenda. The 60% of all Globally, one in five 96% of adolescent 45% of girls Just 2.2% of girls In Port Moresby, In London, 43% of
2030 Agenda together with the New urban residents people have been girls don’t feel safe reported sexual say they feel safe over 90% of young women have
Urban Agenda also recognizes gender in developing a victim of violence in Delhi harassment when in public spaces in women and girls experienced some
equality and strategically supports countries have been and crime using public Lima have experienced form of harassment
women’s empowerment across all social victims of crime transport in some form of sexual in the past year.
development goals. Kampala violence when
Local level data is important to address accessing public
challenges and achieve inclusive public transportation.
spaces for women and girl’s in cities.
“We will support the provision of well-designed networks of safe, accessible, green and quality streets and other public spaces that are accessible to
Some of the statistics of the state of
all and free from crime and violence, including sexual harassment and gender-based violence, considering the human scale, and measures that allow
women and girl’s safety, conducted
by UN-Habitat, Women and Cities
for the best possible commercial use of street-level floors, fostering both formal and informal local markets and commerce, as well as not-for-profit
International and Plan International. community initiatives, bringing people into public spaces and promoting walkability and cycling with the goal of improving health and wellbeing.”
are represented in the graphic. New Urban Agenda: Para 100.
Page 8
PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
WOMEN IN PALESTINE
In Palestine, women use public active participation in the workforce,
spaces more frequently and for a and in decision making can still be
greater variety of purposes than detected, as only 21% of women who
men. This reflects the multiple roles are in the employment age participated
and responsibilities they assume in the workforce in Palestine in the
both inside and outside of the year 2018 according to PCBS. The
home. The availability of safe public situation is even worse for women with
spaces and public transport allows disabilities as only 3% of women with
women to access essential services, disabilities participated in the work
take advantage of employment force in 2019.
opportunities and participate in
cultural and recreational activities. It As in other countries, sexual
not only improves the quality of life harassment and other forms of violence
available to them but is an essential against women and girls in Palestine
component in strengthening women’s extends beyond the domestic sphere to
civic engagement through access to also impact women’s access to public
institutional and political spaces. spaces, such as parks, streets, public
transport, workplaces and schools.
According to the PCBS 2020 statistics, In terms of violence in public spaces,
11% of Palestinian households are the preliminary results of the national
women headed households. Despite survey of violence in the Palestinian
the empowerment of women in certain society in2019, recorded that 5% of
areas as demonstrated through the young females and 3% of married
PCBS report 2020 , women’s right in women have experienced violence in
other sectors are still violated, including shopping places (inside markets or
them being subjects to violence shopping stores). Moreover, 4% of
inside or outside the household and women aged (18-64 years old) and
inside public spaces. Statistics show a 12% of young females (12-17 years
noticeable decrease in early marriage old) have experienced violence in the
rate and illiteracy among Palestinian streets.
women, nevertheless, a gap in women’s
Page 9
Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
CITY-WIDE PUBLIC SPACE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
UN-Habitat’s Global
Public Space Programme Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
• Kabul
United Arab Emirates
CITY-WIDE PUBLIC SPACE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Palestine
• Sharjah
• Khan Younis, Gaza Strip
• Bethlehem Cluster, West Bank
• Jenin, West Bank
Mongolia
• Ulaan Batar
spaces enhance community cohesion • Jericho, West Bank
Launched in 2011 and currently active • Nablus, West Bank
!
in around 40 countries, UN-Habitat’s and promote health, happiness Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
• Kabul China
Global Public Space Programme and well-being for all citizens. The !
!
!! • Jianghan, Wuhan
aims to improve the quality of public Programme helps cities become United Arab Emirates !
• Wuchang, Wuhan
• Sharjah
!
spaces worldwide. Despite a recent more sustainable by providing policy Dominican Republic Palestine
!
! • Santo Domingo Ethiopia
• Khan Younis, Gaza Strip • Addis Ababa
tendency to overlook and undervalue advice, capacity building, knowledge • Bethlehem Cluster, West !
! Bank
Bangladesh
! • Hawassa • Dhaka Mongolia
!!
!
them, public spaces are again being sharing and support for public space Ecuador
!
Colombia • Jenin,!West Bank ! • Adama • Ulaan Batar
• Valledupar • Jericho, West Bank!! • Bahir Dar
recognised by cities as a key element regeneration and improvement. More • Ibarra !
!!
• Monteria
Cameroon
• Nablus, West Bank !!! • Mekele
!
• Cuenca
!
• Bamenda
of inclusion and sustainability. UN- concretely, it maps public spaces and • Quito
• Dir Dawa
Uganda Kenya! China
Habitat adopts a definition of public works with cities to develop city-wide • Portoviejo
• Koboko • Nairobi
!
!
! • Jianghan, Wuhan
public space strategies and urban • Arua • Kisumu • Wuchang, Wuhan
spaces as sites that are accessible and Dominican• Nebbi
Republic
!
!
enjoyable by all without a profit motive development frameworks. Good ! • Santo Domingo
! Tanzania Ethiopia
! • Mwanza • Addis Ababa
Uruguay Bangladesh
and take on various spatial forms, policies and practices are shared !
•!Montevideo
! !
!
• Hawassa • Dhaka
Scale of the Public Space Colombia
!!
!
! • Adama
including parks, streets, sidewalks, through its global network of around Assessments Ecuador • Valledupar South Africa
!
!
! • Bahir Dar
• Ibarra ! Cameroon
• Johannesburg
100 partner organizations. !! !
markets and playgrounds. Good public City level • Cuenca
! • Monteria • Bamenda
• Durban
! ! • Mekele
• Dir Dawa
District level • Quito
• Portoviejo Uganda Kenya
• Koboko • Nairobi
Neighbourhood level • Arua • Kisumu
Country present • Nebbi ! Tanzania
! • Mwanza
!
Uruguay
• Montevideo
Scale of the Public Space
Assessments South Africa
• Johannesburg
City level • Durban
District level
Neighbourhood level
Country present
The public space assessment Civil society partners Public space upgrading Technology Policies
UN-Habitat provides guidance to local UN-Habitat brings together a broad global UN-Habitat selects each year, a number of In recent years, the role of digital technologies UN-Habitat supports national governments
governments in developing city-wide strategies network of partners working on the issue of public spaces upgrading projects through an has become increasingly important. UN-Habitat in mainstreaming public space in NUP as
that provide the foundation for taking a public space, and has agreements and ongoing annual call for expression of interest. The spaces recognizes the role of ICT and the opportunities well as local governments in developing their
strategic action-oriented approach to public activities with various organizations. These are geographically distributed all over the world, that it can offer for citizens, particularly children own public space frameworks, policies and
space development and management and can partners are brought together annually at either but with a main focus on countries in the global and youth, to take part in decision making implementation strategies. The intention is to
help local governments map the current state the World Urban Forum and/or the Future of south. The upgrading of the public spaces is and governance process. The Programme uses influence cities to recognize the importance
of public spaces and set goals to improve them. Places Conference. done in a participatory manner engaging the technologies such as Kobo Toolbox for mapping of localized city-wide public space policies, to
This work can be translated into annual public community and the users in the process. spaces and the Minecraft video game as a deepen the understanding of local governments’
space action plans which provide more detailed participatory tool for upgrading public spaces. role and responsibilities in public space
information on proposed projects as well as development, and to increase the percentage
of public space in a city as well as safety. This
monitoring framework. The strategy also supports
is considered as a guiding strategy for local
local govenrments in allocating of resources in
governments in which public space is a central
the management and maintenance of the spaces
axis.
that exist and invest in creating new public space,
especially for more marginalized communities.
Page 10PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
UN-Habitat’s Public Space Programme Process and Tools HOW WE WORK CITY-WIDE PUBLIC
UN-Habitat has developed an SPACE ASSESSMENT
• Minecraft for community integrated approach to public space The city-wide public space assessment
participation that covers cities, neighbourhoods and is a digital tool that uses a structured
• Place analysis tool individual sites and applies a targeted questionnaire that can be modified
• Design Charrattes approach to each scale. The iterative to fit any context as well as assess the
• SDG indicators 11.7 and approach includes normative and priorities for any city. It utilises the
11.3 operational tools, methodologies and free open source app called Kobo
practices to support governments and Collect. It is a fast and effective tool
other organizations to make public for data collection as it minimises
• Guide to city wide public spaces more safe, inclusive, accessible enumeration errors and is a holistic
space strategy and green. The tools include city-wide tool for data collection process from
• Compendium of inspiring and site-specific assessments, design
• Guide to city wide public practices on city wide public
data collection, to analysis and design.
principles, strategies and policies, This assessment helps in identifying
space strategy space strategy
• Plan assessment tool digital participation and action needs or substantive areas to address
• Compendium of inspiring planning and monitoring. in the city, but also how the process
practices on city wide public can align with other, already ongoing
space strategy or planned processes. The objective of
this alignment is to identify areas of
possible synergies and the identification
of institutions, organizations, agencies
and other municipal departments as
potential stakeholders or collaborating
Scaling up partners. In addition to identifying
key strategies, steering documents,
• SDG indicators 11.7 and 11.3
• Capacity building and training
potential partners, etc., the key issues
• National guidance of the existing strategic plan (if any)
• Policy tools should be mapped and analysed. This
• Institutional support tool helps to answer the question
• Resource mobilization • 5 principles for sustainable “where are we?” in the realm of public
neighbourhood planning space.
• Global public space toolkit
• Planned city extension tool The baseline research will produce
recommendations on public space
interventions in the city. This is not
limited to types of intervention, but
also includes areas that should be
• Public space assessment • Global public space toolkit
prioritized in developing new public
tool • Public space and NUP
• City profiles • Guide to city wide public
spaces.
• Plan assessment tool space strategy
• International guidelines • Urban planning for city
on urban and territorial leaders
planning
Page 11Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
UN-Habitat IN PALESTINE
Palestinian cities lack safe and inclusive Meeting, relaxing and taking a break
public spaces. The complex geopolitical in clean green spaces that are open to
context and the fragmentation of all, is a basic need for all. Yet, in some
the territory, in addition to the lack parts of the world this fundamental
of proper planning and investment need cannot be taken for granted.
in public spaces, have impacted This is true in Gaza, which has been
negatively the quality of the built affected to its very core by years of
environment. The severe shortage of war. Ten years of blockades and several
public spaces, parks, playgrounds, as cycles of violence have had a serious
well as other public infrastructure and effect on the Gaza Strip, which still
services led to the deterioration of the bears the material and human scars
quality of daily life for the Palestinian of the hostilities of summer 2014
communities in the West Bank and and the regular attacks that followed.
Gaza Strip, particularly for children Thousands of houses, schools,
and women. Many children resort to universities and mosques were damaged
play in the streets, making the lack of in these bombings. But even though
playgrounds actually life threatening. post-conflict reconstruction is now
Against this backdrop, The Special underway, women and young people
Human Settlements Programme are scarcely involved in urban planning,
for the Palestinian People has, since particularly in integrating the issue of
2014, started supporting the local safety in public places.
communities in East Jerusalem, Area
By involving marginalized
C and in the Gaza Strip to develop
communities in a marginalized
safe and inclusive public spaces to
region, these public space projects
improve the urban environment and
were able to promote women and
the living conditions of the Palestinian
youth positions in the society while
people, provide higher levels of safety
creating community spaces and aiming
and well-being inside the Palestinian
to reduce gender-based violence.
neighborhoods, and to strengthen
The collaboration during the design
social cohesion, cultural interaction
process and the employment of female
and citizenship.
architects helped advance this mission
UN-Habitat has utilized different even further, resulting in more safe
tools and methodologies to design and opportunities for all in the Gaza
implement public spaces in Palestine, Strip. The participants believed that
including participatory planning and their experience in the design and
community engagement, support implementation processes was unique
community led initiatives, and using and special. It represented their ideas
innovative technologies to promote and visions and enhanced their sense of
youth leadership. ownership. They felt as this community
garden belongs to all of them so that
they have to look after it, maintain it,
and keep it clean and well organized.
Al-Shaimaa Community Garden, Gaza Strip © UN-Habitat
Page 12PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
Public Spaces Projects Implemented by The Special Human Settlements Programme for the Palestinian People
Intervention Description Location Implementing Partners Donor Year No of Beneficiaries
Sur Baher Community This project supported a community led initiative to design a children playground in Sur Baher. The local community including the East Jerusalem Bimkom- Planners for Planning Rights, Government of Kingdom of 2015 21,500
youth in cooperation with Sur Baher community Center played a major role in the design and implementation of the Local Community Center of Sur Baher Belgium
Garden
playground. This initiative was implemented as part of the “Scaling up and Deepening of Planning Support to Palestinian
Communities in East Jerusalem” project, which aimed to facilitate an immediate improvement of living conditions for Palestinian
communities in East Jerusalem.
Wadi AI Joz Community This project aimed at creating a safe and inclusive community garden in Wadi Al Joz neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and has East Jerusalem Bimkom - Planners for Planning Rights, Block by Block Foundation 2017 17,000
utilized the computer game MineCraft as a tool to engage the youth in the design process. This project was implemented as part of Al Enaya Community Center, Green
Garden Global Public Space Pro-
the “UN Habitat Global Public Space Programme”. Mosques Youth Group
gramme
Ras Al-Amoud Playground Under UN-HABITAT “Supporting the Palestinians Right to Development in East Jerusalem’’ Project, the project East Jerusalem Bimkom - Planners for Planning Spanish Agency for In- 2019 14,500
aimed to support and implement tangible interventions that enhance the quality of the living environment for the Rights, Local women group ternational Development
residents, especially for women and girls. The project contributed to support a Palestinian women group initiative Cooperation
in Ras IlAmud neighborhood. The playground was designed, based on a participatory approach where women were
engaged in focus design group sessions. In these sessions, the women explained how public spaces should respond
to their and their children’s essential needs. The project succeeded in co-designing with the women group a new
playground in Ras Il Amud that states and emphasis that women should be engaged more and consulted in the
decision making of their built environment.
Al-Shoka Community Garden Al Shoka, Al-Zawayda and Al Shaima community gardens were developed as part of the “Utilizing Digital Tools to Promote Human Al-shoka city/Gaza UN Women, Palestinian Housing Coun- Government of Kingdom of 2017 16,000
Rights and Create Inclusive Public Spaces in Gaza Strip” project. The main aim of the project was to promote youth leadership Strip cil, Aisha Association for Woman and Belgium
and participation, and to develop the skills and knowledge of the youth to make informed decisions about their lives and their Child Protections and Gateway
Al-Shaimaa Community Garden built environment. The participants utilized the computer game MineCraft to design their community gardens. The three projects Beit Lahia city/ UN Women, Palestinian Housing Coun- Government of Kingdom of 2017 100,000
have successfully created safe and inclusive public spaces in Al-shoka, Al-Zawayda and Beit Lahia cities in Gaza Strip, and helped Gaza Strip cil, Aisha Association for Woman and Belgium
improving the urban environment and the living conditions of residents, in particular children and youth. Child Protections and Gateway
Al-Zawayda Community Gardens Al-Zawayda city/ UN Women, Palestinian Housing Coun- Government of Kingdom of 2018 23,000
Gaza Strip cil, Aisha Association for Woman and Belgium
Child Protections and Gateway
Ti’innik Placemaking Project This project worked on creating a public space located between the two schools in Ti’innik’s. The main aim of the project was to cre- Area C Ministry of Local Government, Ti’innek European Union 2018 1,300
ate a space that is accessible, particularly for the school’s students, and for the wider community in general serving as a playground Village Council, Al-l-Hamdeye Compa-
and a comfort and relaxing area. The project was implemented under the “Fostering Tenure Security and Resilience of Palestinian ny for General Contracts
Communities through Spatial-Economic Planning Interventions in Area C”.
Wadi Al Nis The interventions are located at the center of the village, connecting the four main nodes; the village council building, the medical Area C Ministry of Local Government, Wadi Al European Union 2018 1,000
clinic, the main mosque and the main school. The project has formed and improved the the network and connections focusing on Nis Village council, UN-Habitat
safe pedestrian movement throughout the site. Speed pumps and roundabouts were constructed to facilitate the movement of
cars and calms down the traffic. The sidewalks contain benches, as relaxing points shaded by trees. The project was implemented
under the “Fostering Tenure Security and Resilience of Palestinian Communities through Spatial-Economic Planning Interventions
in Area C”.
Page 13Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
Intervention Description Location Implementing Partners Donor Year No of Beneficiaries
Al Walaja Developing the main entrance of Al Walajah Village by making it safe and comfortable for pedestrian movement. The main bus stop Area C Ministry of Local Government, Al Walaja European Union 2018 2,670
area was rehabilitated, tiled and shaded with trees. The intervention and detailed designs were designed to inexpensive, focusing Village council, UN-Habitat
on using local skills and materials and well related to the local context. The project was implemented under the “Fostering Tenure
Security and Resilience of Palestinian Communities through Spatial-Economic Planning Interventions in Area C”.
At Tuwani The intervention, the design and its details were developed in collaboration process with the community and based on their needs, Area C Ministry of Local Government, At Tuwani United Nations 2019 330
and financially inexpensive. The designs also focus on local resources and skills to get the best results with the lowest costs and Village council, UN-Habitat
ensure its maintenance in the present and the future. The public space in this intervention is a recreational area and playing yard
for the children and people of At Tuwani village. The project was implemented under the “Fostering Tenure Security and Resilience
of Palestinian Communities through Spatial-Economic Planning Interventions in Area C”.
Al Aqaba The intervention, the design and its details were developed in collaboration process with the community and based Area C Ministry of Local Government, Al European Union 2019 350
on their needs, and financially inexpensive. The designs also focus on local resources and skills to get the best results Aqaba Village council, UN-Habitat
with the lowest costs and ensure its maintenance in the present and the future. The public space in this intervention
is a playing yard for the Kindergarten of Al Aqaba village. The project was implemented under the “Fostering Tenure
Security and Resilience of Palestinian Communities through Spatial-Economic Planning Interventions in Area C”.
Bruqin The intervention is the yard located between the two schoold, the village councile and the soccer field. The space will Area C Ministry of Local Government, Bru- Secours Islamique 2018 4,050
be used as a sitting area, with a playing and recreational yard, for students and families. In addition to being used by qin Village council, UN-Habitat France
the local community for different occasions and activities. The project was implemented under the “Creating friendly
public spaces for children in Hares and Bruqin”
Haris The intervention is in the space connecting the school, the village council, and the mosque, to improve the village Area C Ministry of Local Government, Haris Secours Islamique 2018 4,140
center and create a suitable and safe space for students and families. The local community mainly focused on the Village council, UN-Habitat France
elements that support their needs (sitting chairs, pergolas, ….). The project was implemented under the “Creating
friendly public spaces for children in Hares and Bruqin”
Ras Al Wad The project aimed to physically improve the condition by enhancing the quality of life through creating a public Area C Ministry of Local Government, Ras European Union 2015 900
space, improve pedestrian’s safety around the school and mosque in the main village spine, while also promoting Al Wad Village council, UN-Habitat
participation by residents to encourage and raise awareness of the importance of maintaining their own communi-
ties. The project was implemented under “Spatial Planning Support Programme for Palestinian Communities in Area
C, West Bank”.
Abdullah Al Yunis The project aimed to physically improve the condition by creating pedestrian paths and creating a public place for Area C Ministry of Local Government, European Union 2015 170
people to sit and enjoy, while also promoting participation by residents to encourage and raise awareness of the Abdullah Al Yunis Village council,
importance of maintaining their own communities. The project was implemented under “Spatial Planning Support UN-Habitat
Programme for Palestinian Communities in Area C, West Bank”
Imneizel The project aimed to physically improve the condition by creating the small playground for children in the park, en- Area C Ministry of Local Government, Im- European Union 2015 280
hancing the playground of the school and surroundings, improvement of access, while also promoting participation neizel Village council, UN-Habitat
by residents to encourage and raise awareness of the importance of maintaining their own communities. Further-
more, the project aimed to bring together the community through encouraging citizens to participate in community
development issues and gain knowledge on the sense of participation and ownership over their local area. The
project was implemented under “Spatial Planning Support Programme for Palestinian Communities in Area C, West
Bank”
Izbet Tabib The project aimed to physically improve the condition by creating the improvement of access to school and improve- Area C Ministry of Local Government, Izbet European Union 2015 260
ment of streetscape in main village spine. Also promoting participation by residents to encourage and raise aware- Tabib Village council, UN-Habitat
ness of the importance of maintaining their own communities. The project was implemented under “Spatial Planning
Support Programme for Palestinian Communities in Area C, West Bank”
Page 14PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
HAYA JOINT PROGRAMME
Eliminating Violence Against Women in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
The HAYA Joint Programme: United Nations Office on Drugs and harmful practices and attitudes that protect women’s and girls’ rights with UN-Habitat is working on increasing women’s safety in public spaces; C)
Eliminating Violence Against Women Crime (UNODC), in partnership with perpetuate and validate violence against regards to VAW. Under outcome (1), the knowledge and capacity of local Capacity building for municipalities
in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and women and girls within targeted there is a special focus on building authorities and municipalities to on how to design safe and inclusive
funded by the Government of Canada the Ministry of Social Development as households and communities; (2) an enabling policy environment to undertake comprehensive local public spaces; D) Development and
and jointly implemented by the United well as other ministries and civil society Increased access by women and girls combat violence against women and interventions for prevention and regeneration of five safe and inclusive
Nations Entity for Gender Equality organizations. The overall objective of of gender- responsive EVAW services increase the knowledge and capacity response on EVAW, through achieving public spaces; E) Development of
and the Empowerment of Women building just and secure communities (economic, medical, psychosocial, to undertake comprehensive local set of results: A) Safety Audits that gender responsive public space policy
(UN Women), the United Nations for women and girls in the West security, shelter) free of discrimination; interventions for prevention and assess women’s safety in five cities and safe and inclusive public space
Population Fund (UNFPA), the Bank and Gaza Strip will be achieved (3) Strengthened institutional capacity response on EVAW by local authorities (four cities in West Bank and one design methodology; F) Curriculum
United Nations Human Settlements through progress against three main to develop and implement legal and and municipalities. city in Gaza Strip); B) Awareness development jointly with the local
Programme (UN–Habitat), and the outcomes focusing on: (1) Decreased policy frameworks that promote and and advocacy campaign to promote universities on how to design safe and
Through the HAYA Joint Programme,
inclusive public spaces.
DEVELOPING SAFE AND INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES FOR ALL THROUGH
Safety audits assessing women’s safety
in Khan Younis, Jericho, Nablus, Jenin, Development of gender responsive
and the Bethlehem cluster including Capacity building for municipalities on public space policy and design
Beit Jala, Beit Sa hour, and Al Doha and how to design safe and inclusive public methodology for safe and inclusive
Bethlehem spaces public spaces
Awareness and advocacy campaigns Development and regeneration of five Joint curriculum development with
to promote women’s safety in public safe and inclusive public spaces in local universities on designing safe and
spaces targeted Palestinian communities inclusive public spaces
Page 15Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
Children playing in a public park in Gaza Strip © UN-Habitat
2
Page 16PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
• About Gaza Strip
• State of public spaces
• Scope and focus
• Objectives and methodology
Page 17Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
ABOUT GAZA STRIP
Palestine showing Gaza Strip © UN-Habitat
The Gaza Strip is a small Palestinian Palestinian housing sector and is a
territory on the eastern coast of the major cause of economic and social
Lebanon
Mediterranean Sea that borders Egypt pressure.
on the southwest for 11 kilometres Syrian Arab
With around 2 million Palestinians, Republic
and Israel on the east and north along
Gaza Strip ranks as one of the most
a 51 kilometre border. The territory
densely populated area in the world.
is 41 kilometres long, and from 6 to
Gaza Strip has an annual population
12 kilometres wide, with a total area Mediterranean Sea
growth rate of 2.91% (2014 est.).
of 365 square kilometres. The overall
Population density in Gaza Strip is
infrastructure of Gaza has suffered
4,986 persons/km2 (PCBS, 2015). West Bank
North Gaza
greatly through the last war; however it
The population is expected to increase
is further weakened due to restrictions
imposed by Israel on the import of
to 2.1 million in 2020. By that time, Mediterranean Sea
Gaza Strip may be rendered unlivable, Gaza Strip
building materials and the other
if present trends continue.
necessary tools for development.
Most Palestinians in Gaza are Gaza
Gaza Strip’s population is characterized Jordan
UNRWA-registered refugees, and Israel
by a very young age structure, typical
most live in urban areas. There are
of countries with high fertility and
around 1.1 million registered refugees,
relatively low mortality. The population
accounting for almost 70% of the
structure shows a high proportion of
population (PCBS, 2008). Eight
refugees, which is typical of a post-
refugee camps were established in
Egypt
Middle Area
conflict population. A large local
Gaza in the immediate aftermath of
concentration of refugees are in UN-
the 1948 conflict, but many refugee
managed camps. These camps have
families have left the camps and
high numbers of persons per housing
bought property, or currently reside
unit and are overcrowded. They are
on state land. Today, more refugees Saudi Arabia
characterized by high levels of poverty,
reside outside than inside these camps Israel
disorganized planning and lack of
public spaces and green areas.
(HPG, 2012). The great majority of Khan Younis
the population – 81% – live in urban
The economic situation of Palestinian areas, 16% in camps and only 3% in
citizens in the Gaza Strip reflects rural areas (PCBS, 2009).
the deteriorating condition of the
Rafah
Gaza Population:
2M (2019) Gaza Population Density: Registered refugees: Egypt
2.1M (2020) 4,986 Persons/Km (2015)
2
1.1 M 70% of the population (2008)
Map of Gaza Strip © UN-Habitat
Page 18PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
Urbanization in the Gaza strip
Gaza Strip is divided into five will be the “mother-city” for a large The two centres will absorb the
administrative zones, called urban expansion including several returnees with 30% to Gaza
Governorates, of roughly equal areas; of the satellite villages in the south. Governorate and 70% to Khan
Gaza City is its administrative and Consequently, Two Core Cities, one Younis Governorate. There will be
commercial centre. During the first in the north Gaza City and the other net internal migration from the three
Palestinian–Israeli conflict in 1948 in the south Khan Younis City will other Governorates to the two regional
Gaza Strip’s population almost tripled be the main location for the growing centres. The population will be directed
with the sudden influx of refugees. In population and returnees. Internal toward the south, where development
recent years, natural growth, sustained movement towards the Two Core of Khan Younis and Rafah will happen
by high fertility rates in a context of Cities is part of this alternative. In quickly, and Khan Younis will be the
stringent restrictions on the movement this alternative, Khan Younis City will centre of the south. In the north Gaza
of people out of the Gaza Strip, has absorb a large proportion of the growth City will have a slower growth but will
been the key driver of the expansion of and developed into a more dominant remain the main regional centre of the
the urban areas (HPG, 2012). regional centre of the south. Gaza City Governorates. Consequently, the area
will not expand as fast as Khan Younis needed for the increase of population
The “Two Core Cities” alternative,
but will remain the largest regional will be large, especially in Khan Younis,
which has been adopted by the regional
centre in Gaza Governorates (Almasri, exceeding the municipal boundaries
plan assumes that the growth potential
1999). spilling over into agricultural land
will be directed toward the southern
(Almasri, 1999).
and northern areas. Khan Younis City
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani City © www.gazaonline.net
The Regional Plan, Gaza Strip
Page 19Towards safety for women & girls in public spaces
Urban Governance economically self-sufficient as they can parties, including legislative bodies the Fund is to encourage the flow of
Administrative boundaries of Gaza Strip and its Governorates
retain 90% of property taxes, which and the public. Municipalities are financial resources from the Palestinian
For most of Gaza Strip’s history urban they collect directly (HPG, 2012). also responsible for planning and Authority and various donors to the
planning has been controlled by However, the financial resources of conducting the scope of their work Palestinian LGUs and other local 1 Beit Hanun 4
external actors rather than indigenous 2
most municipalities in the Gaza Strip and using proper methodologies and public entities to improve the delivery 1
2
North Gaza
ones, and urban planning institutions Beit Lahiya
have been diminished in the last few standards to ensure that they promote of local infrastructure and municipal
in Gaza are consequently weak years due to the current situation. accountability and transparency over services, to promote economic 3 Jabalya
(Abdelhamid, 2006). Land laws were public activities, meet their legal development and improve municipal
One of the main purposes of any 3
imposed under the Ottomans (1850– mandate and fulfill their responsibilities efficiency and accountability. In 4 Umm an Naser
1917), during the British Mandate planning process is to advance
in a complete and objective manner. addition, the MDLF aims to enhance
(1917–48), under the Egyptian the principles of transparency and 5 Gaza
mobilization of donor assistance,
administration (1948–1967) and accountability for municipalities in The Municipal Development and
strengthen intergovernmental financial 6 Al Mughraqa 5
under Israeli occupation, leaving Gaza order to assist them in leading by Lending Fund (MDLF) was established
transfers and pro-mote emergency
Gaza
Strip with multiple layers of different example in their own governance and in 2005 as an autonomous juridical 7 Al Zahra
response capacity (MDLF Website).
planning orders (Abdelhamid, 2006). practices. Municipalities form part entity to accelerate Palestine’s drive
Under the Israeli occupation urban of an overall legal and constitutional toward self-sustained, decentralized, 8 Wadi Gaz a
growth was managed by the military system within their respective bodies, prosperous, and credit-worthy local
and are accountable to various government. The main objective of 9 Deir al Balah
to maximise Israeli control of the Gaza 6 7 8
Strip and support Israeli settlements, 10 An Nuseirat
rather than to promote sustainable
Mandated activities held by Municipalities 11
urban growth, and infrastructure that Az Zawayda 10
Deir al-Balah
12
was unrelated to the settlements was Role of Local Government Units (LGUs) 12 Al Bureij
neglected (HPG, 2012). 13
Activity Field Activities 11
The potential role of local authorities 13 Al Maghazi 14 Refugee camps
Technical Field Town planning and road construction Gaza Municipalities
allows them to have considerable
Building licensing and control 14 Al Musaddar Salah ad Din street
impact towards sustainable
development. Municipalities are Water supply, construction and management 15 9 15
Wadi as Salqa
responsible for preparing and Sewage management, construction and control
k
implementing development plans 16 Khan Yunis
Building demolition 17
(including physical plans). In order
Public transport 17 Al Qarara
to fulfil these plans, it is important 20
to have the necessary resources which Financial/Health/Technical Public markets management 18 Bani Suheila 18
include human capital, the cost of the Licensing of trades and businesses
Khan Yunis
19
materials for producing the plans, and 19 ‘Abasan al Kabira
Health/Technical Public health, collection and disposal of solid waste
the cost needed for the implementation 21
Administrative/ Health/Social Public entertainment control 20 ‘Abasan al Jadida 16
of investment plans (Elrantisi, 2013).
Social/Health Hotel operation control 22
However, Palestinian governance 21 Khuza’a
institutions have limited power Technical/Administrative/ Social Public parks
22 Al F ukhari
and legitimacy as a result of the Cultural/Social Cultural and sport activities 23 24
control exerted by Israel and the Administrative/Financial Control of peddlers and open markets 23 Rafah
administrations that came before 25
Advertisement control
24
Rafah
its occupation. Gaza Strip’s 25 An Naser
municipalities are decentralised and Budget and LGU personnel
25 Ash Shoka
Management of LGU assets
Mixed Weights and measures control
Page 20PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT
Land and Housing minor to serious damage. In rebuilding LAND OWNERSHIP
housing, there is also a need to
To address the needs of the population include the re-development of related Land ownership in Gaza Strip is
in Gaza Strip, 25 municipal infrastructure in order to improve local classified into four types; public,
4
authorities are in charge of providing living conditions. This can include private, Waqf and Beir al-Saba. The 1
services including water, sanitation, the building of key roads and routes following graph shows that most 2
construction, maintenance, solid- in order to facilitate reconstruction, (63.9%) of Gaza Strip’s land is privately
waste collection, public parks, sports storage, and waste-disposal. Similarly, owned and public land represents only
and cultural institutions. These the “soft” infrastructure of health and 15.3% of Gaza Strip land (Ministry of 3
municipalities are also responsible for education institutions is badly needed, Planning, 2008).
urban-planning, issuing of permits alongside community spaces for culture
and the facilitation of development and sport. While rebuilding efforts will
of housing units to accommodate the primarily focus on housing as a first 5
growing displaced population. stage of recovery, community-based
In the aftermath of the 2014 Israeli planning is critical to ensure long-term,
attacks on Gaza, at least 150,000 sustainable, and resilient development
homes across Gaza have suffered (ISOCARP, 2015).
7 8
6
10 12 Ownership
13 Public
Gaza Strip © Flickr/www.infopal.it
11 Private
14
Land Ownership in Gaza Strip Waqf
18.7%
k
9 15
Beir al-Saba (private lands deducted 17
from governmental ones)
20
15.3%
Public
63.9% Private
18
19
21
16
22
2.1%
Waqf 23
24
25
Wadi Gaza © Flickr
Map of land ownership of Gaza Strip
Page 21You can also read
