Ref: 2/2010

On 17 January 2010, the Women’s Rights Unit and the Training Unit of the
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) opened a training course on
litigation before Sharia’ Courts in Gaza City. The course targets young
lawyers and is the first of its kind this year. The course, in which 20 lawyers
are taking part, will take place in PCHR’s head offices in Gaza City for 6
successive days between 17 and 24 January 2010 (18 training hours).

In his opening speech, Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, discussed the
importance of the legal profession and its humanitarian dimension. He
highlighted the close relationship between the work of lawyers and human rights
issues. Mr. Sourani reviewed the history
of the Palestinian Bar Association and the distinctive role played by lawyers
and the Bar Association at the national and professional levels, explaining
that it has represented one of the most important pillars of the national effort. Mr. Sourani pointed out that increasing
lawyers’ capacity to pursue litigation before Sharia’ Courts is useful
for both lawyers and victims. Finally,
Sourani called on lawyers not to hesitate to ask for PCHR’s assistance,
emphasizing the accessibility of PCHR’s extensive human rights and
international law library.

Ms. Mona al-Shawa, Director of PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit, presented
detailed information on the unit and the services it provides to women,
including legal consultation, representation before courts, as well as raising
women’s awareness of their rights ensured under national and international law.

Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit, pointed out that
the course is unique, as it is the first of its kind this year that targets
young lawyers in the Gaza Strip. He
stressed that the course is highly relevant as the Sharia’ Courts in
Gaza are currently preparing an examination that young lawyers will need to
pass in order to obtain the legal license necessary for litigation before Sharia’
Courts. Mr. al-Aqra’ provided an overview of the topics covered by
the course, including: introduction to Sharia’ law; Code of Legal
Procedures for Trials; Family Law; inheritance; the procedures of litigation;
and the Convention in the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.

Ms. Hanan Matar and Mr. Samir Hassania, both lawyers in PCHR’s Women’s
Rights Unit, and Ms. Mona al-Shawa will supervise the training course. Sheikh Sa’id Abu al-Jbeen, Judge in the
Palestinian High Sharia’ Court, will contribute to the training.