BMU | Glossary

Barrier monitoring

The process of collecting data on the continual impacts of the Barrier on Palestinian communities within its vicinity. These impacts can be physical, psychological, economic, environmental or social. The Barrier Monitoring Unit (BMU) documents the dynamic Barrier and its accompanying regime’s humanitarian impacts on the lives of Palestinians. This is a challenging task considering the length of the Barrier, currently over 400 kilometres in length.

Capacity-building

The BMU aims at transferring skill sets to local partner organisations and individuals to carry out better research, increasing their overall effectiveness and advocacy efforts. This concept predominates in international development work and is a long-term process that empowers local organisations to become more sustainable and independent.

Community of practice

A shared interest in organisational aims arising out of mutual opportunities, leading to common products and results, applying internationally-recognised standards. The BMU’s experience proves that adherence to common values pays off.

Datahub

Our custom-made database system furthers analysis by processing data sets, research findings and documentation in image and text. It also stores advocacy materials, maps and media while hosting our administrative planning tools.

E-library

The BMU’s open-source compilation of resources related to the Barrier, including: legal documents, media publications, scholarly articles, institutional reports, military orders, etc.

Humanitarian diplomacy

Influencing diplomats, policy-makers, and international organisations to take action in support of particular outcomes, while taking into consideration international law. By using UNRWA‘s wide range of contacts and partners in governmental institutions, non-governmental organisations, academia, and the media, the BMU advances dialogue and mobilises for change regarding the Barrier and its impacts.

Innovative advocacy

Our advocacy approach employs case studies, mini-profiles, briefing tours, survey reports and other communication tools to help mobilise for change. The Academic Co-operation Palestine Project (ACPP) is our flagship project for external advocacy that aims to bridge the gap between collecting research and using it for effective advocacy campaigns. With help from local academic partners, we are advancing the idea of a postgraduate certificate.

Knowledge base

A shared pool of information regarding a specific topic, gathered centrally and systematically. The BMU strives to create a sound knowledge base for Barrier-related topics to create common understanding, producing a platform for better advocacy.

LogFrame (logical framework)

A managerial tool for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects. This approach involves establishing Specific, Measurable, Acheivable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART) objectives, linking the programme’s activities and outputs to those objectives and developing evaluation mechanisms to assess the project.

Model for future educational development

The BMU conceived education-related initiatives as part of its capacity-building endeavours. Through the Academic Co-operation Palestine Project (ACPP), we train participants in thematic cartography to bridge the gap between collecting data and using it for advocacy. Our trainings and the ACPP platform provide a comprehensive foundation for building future educational co-operation.

Palestine refugees

Under UNRWA’s operational definition, Palestine refugees are people whose normal place of residence was Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948, who lost both their homes and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.

UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East provides assistance, protection and advocacy for some five million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, pending a solution to their plight.