SANTIAGO, October 25, 2026 (Agencies) – Chile has passed a law establishing January 7 as the annual Day of Chilean-Palestinian Friendship and Solidarity, reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian human rights and recognising the longstanding ties between the two peoples.
Law No. 21,843 was published in Chile’s Official Gazette on October 22, 2026. The country’s first official observance under the law will take place on January 7, 2027, marking the historic relationship between Chile and Palestine.
The legislation provides for commemorative activities celebrating friendship and solidarity between the two peoples while reaffirming Chile’s commitment to the United Nations’ principles of universal human rights protection and the rights of the Palestinian people.
Introduced in January 2024, the proposal underwent parliamentary consideration and amendments before receiving final approval in the Chamber of Deputies on September 22. It secured 100 votes in the lower house and 30 in the Senate.
Senator Vlado Mirosevic supported the legislation, saying Palestinians and their descendants had made significant contributions to Chile’s industrial, social and cultural development while maintaining strong connections with their ancestral homeland.
Senator Sergio Gahona also described the measure as recognition of the Palestinian community’s place in Chilean society, particularly families originating from Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.
Congresswoman Carolina Tello welcomed the law, saying it would provide opportunities to organise public activities, promote awareness of human rights and encourage respect for international law. She also expressed hope that the initiative would draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Chile formally recognised the State of Palestine in 2011. The new law establishes an annual occasion to commemorate the relationship between the two peoples and highlight human rights concerns.