Ref: 66/2009

From 2 – 4 December 2009, Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), visited Sweden.

On 3 December, Mr. Sourani attended an award ceremony organized by the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC), the Swedish Bar Association, and the International Bar Association. Justice Goldstone was presented with the Stockholm Human Rights award at a ceremony honoring his outstanding individual contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including his work fighting the apartheid system in South Africa. The event was held in the auditorium of the Swedish Bar Association. It was decided to present Justice Goldstone with the award before the publication of the Report of the UN Fact Finding Mission, however, this latest report only confirms Justice Goldstone’s integrity and professionalism, and complements the work which he has steadfastly pursued throughout his career.

Three speeches were made by the head of the International Bar Association, the Director of ILAC, and the General Secretary of the Swedish Bar. Following this Justice Goldstone delivered an eloquent lecture, during which he focused on the need for accountability, and addressed the controversy surrounding the UN Fact Finding Mission’s report on the Gaza conflict.  Mr. Sourani attended as a guest of honor. The event was accompanied by significant media attention.

Earlier on the same day, Mr. Sourani delivered a lecture to 50 participants, including Sweden’s most prominent lawyers and judges. The lecture concentrated on the consequences of Israel’s war on Gaza. Mr. Sourani spoke of the horrors of the war, and the impact of the continued illegal blockade. He presented a number of case studies highlighting the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory, and stressed the need for accountability.

During his visit, Mr. Sourani also met with a number of lawyers, civil society groups, and solidarity activists, as well as representatives of ILAC, SIDA, and the International Bar Association. PCHR continue to stress the importance and significance the Goldstone Report’s recommendations, and the urgent need for accountability and an end to impunity.