Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC)

Overview

The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) is a member-based grassroots organization that is registered as a non-governmental agricultural organization according to the Palestinian Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations Law No. 1 at the Palestinian Ministry of Interior. It is considered as one of the largest agricultural development institutions in Palestine as it was established in 1986 by a group of volunteers and agronomists in response to the vulnerable socio-political circumstances faced by Palestinian farmers interpreted by Israeli occupation policies and measures especially the confiscations of lands and water resources, which directly harm the livelihoods of all Palestinians, and farmers in particular. When established, UAWC depended on volunteers completely and formed agricultural committees in the West Bank and Gaza to set the priorities of farmers and help the Union in implementing its programs and community activities.

UAWC is an independent agricultural developmental organization, politically neutral as per its by-laws, policies, vision, mission and practices. UAWC abides, and is guided by the national sectorial strategies and policies as well as the international laws and standards set by the UN’s Security Council and General Assembly resolutions that focus on Palestinian rights of freedom, development, and decent life on their land that is recognized as “Occupied Territories”.