Date: 29 November (Every Year)
Established by: United Nations (UN)
First Observed: 1978
Why 29 November?
The United Nations chose 29 November because on this day in 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, also known as the Partition Plan, which proposed to divide Mandatory Palestine into:
- A Jewish state
- An Arab Palestinian state
- Jerusalem as an international city
The plan was never fully implemented, and conflict soon followed. This date symbolizes the unfinished question of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people.
How the Day Was Created
1977 — UN Resolution 32/40
- The UN General Assembly passed Resolution 32/40 B, declaring 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
- The first observance was held in 1978.
The goal was to keep the world’s attention focused on:
- The Palestinian people’s right to self-determination
- The right to national independence and sovereignty
- The right of Palestinian refugees to return (Resolution 194)
Purpose of This Day
The day highlights:
✔ Support for Palestinian human and political rights
✔ Recognition of decades of displacement & conflict
✔ Global solidarity with peace and justice efforts
✔ Reminder to implement UN resolutions related to Palestine
How It Is Observed
The UN organizes events such as:
- Meetings and special sessions at the UN Headquarters
- Messages from world leaders
- Cultural exhibitions, films, and artworks about Palestinian heritage
- Public statements and solidarity campaigns
Many nations, organizations, and activists also hold rallies, discussions, and educational programs.
Significance Today
The day continues to remind the world that:
- The Palestinian question remains unresolved
- Millions of Palestinians still face occupation, settlement expansion, statelessness, and refugee challenges
- A just solution requires international cooperation and commitment to peaceful negotiation and human rights