Ref: 65/2011

On Wednesday, 12 October 2011, the Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights Unit (ESC) of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights concluded the
fourth in a series of workshops on protection of civilians in times of armed
conflicts, in cooperation with the Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC). At least 70 NGO activists in the northern Gaza
Strip participated in these workshops. 

On Wednesday, the ESC organized the fourth workshop in al-Quds
Center in Beit Hanoun, and 20 NGO activists and volunteers in the town. Dr. Fadel al-Mzeini, an ESC researcher,
presented an intervention on the protection mechanisms in times of armed conflicts,
in which he addressed the forms of protection provided by the international
humanitarian law to civilians in international and non-international armed
conflicts. The workshop also discussed
the grave breaches of the international humanitarian law perpetrated by Israeli
occupation forces against Palestinian civilians during the offensive on the
Gaza Strip (Operation Cast Lead) in late 2008 and early 2009. 

On 25 09 2011, the ESC organized the first workshop, which
addressed the scope of protection provided by the international humanitarian
law. The workshop was held in al-‘Asriya
Cultural Center of UHWC in Jabalya refugee camp. Khalil Shaheen, ESC Director, addressed the
general rules of the international humanitarian law and protection mechanism of
civilians in times of war, especially vulnerable segments, including women,
children, the elderly and medical, religious and media personnel. The workshop was attended by 13 activists
from Life and Hope Association in Jabalya refugee camp. 

On 27 September 2011, the ESC organized the second workshop, which
was attended by 14 activists of al-‘Asriya Cultural Center and the Youth Forum
in Jabalya refugee camp. The workshop
discussed the concepts and rules of international humanitarian law and the protection
mechanisms it provides. 

On 28 September 2011, the ESC organized the third workshop in
al-‘Asriya Cultural Center. The workshop
was attended by 23 NGO activists and volunteers in the northern Gaza
Strip. Dr. Fadel al-Mzeini presented an
intervention on basic principles of the international humanitarian law and
grave breaches perpetrated against individuals during international and
non-international armed conflicts.

These workshops are part of a three-year project funded by the
European Union and Oxfam Novib, whose goal is to improve awareness and respect
of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  They are also part
of continued efforts by PCHR raise awareness on the rights of civilians in
times of armed conflicts. 

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For
more information, please contact the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights at pchr@pchrgaza.org or +972-(0)8-282-4776.