On
30 March 2008, PCHR Training Unit launched the third in a series of training
courses on human rights and gender for activists of civil society groups in the
northern Gaza Strip. The 20-hour course, in which 22 individuals representing 10
civil society groups are participating, is being held at PCHR’s sub-office in
Jabalya.
In
his opening speech, Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit, stated that
this course is the third in a series of courses organized by PCHR this year for
representatives civil society groups in the Gaza Strip to provide them with
basic knowledge of human rights issues. He pointed out that PCHR had already
organized 2 similar courses in Khan Yunis and Rafah, and that PCHR organizes 5
of such courses annually. He further explained that the course covers a variety
of human rights topics, including the International Bill of Human Rights
(Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Covenant on Economic, social, and
cultural rights; and Covenant on Civil and Political Rights); Optional Protocols
to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
Convention on the Rights of the Child; Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women; gender issues; the rule of law; and the
independence of the judiciary.
The training is conducted by a team of specialized trainers from PCHR that
includes: Lawyer Ahlam al-Aqra’, from the Legal Aid Unit; Muna al-Shawa, Hanan
Matar, Majeda Shihada, from the Women’s Rights Unit; Bassam al-Aqra’; from the
Training Unit; and Salah Abu Hatab, from the Democratic Development Unit. Dr.
Bassam Abu Hashish, a lecturer at al-Aqsa University in Gaza, also contributes
to the training. The first day of training was characterized by the use of
various training techniques and fruitful participation and discussion.
