At UPA, we believe peace is the combination of various factors, all of which need to be recognized to achieve true peace. This includes the absence of poverty and the presence of basic housing, education, and healthcare services.

This year marks the 70^th anniversary for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so the Declaration has been made the theme for the 2018 International Day of Peace. Since the Declaration does not have a separate article on the right to peace, the United Nation asks: “What does “The Right to Peace” mean to you?”

Most importantly, as stated in the Declaration, we believe that these principles apply to all people, even (and perhaps especially) to marginalized and disadvantaged peoples. That’s why UPA implements programs across multiple program areas – health and wellness, community and economic development, education, and outreach. That’s why UPA works in refugee camps and areas of war and occupation. UPA strives to ensure that Palestinians safely work, play, grow, live, and build their communities without unnecessary restrictions, pain, or suffering. To us, that is peace.