Ref: 32/2009
Date: 12 July 2009
PCHR Convene Training Course on Human Rights with Students from the University College of Applied Sciences
On Sunday, 12 July 2009, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Training Unit convened a training course on human rights. The course targeted sophomores specialized in secretarial and legal studies in the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza city. The 20-hour training course is taking place between 12 and 16 July 2009. Twenty-two students are participating in the course.
Mr. Yousif al-Haddad, Director of the Department of Human Studies at the University College, opened the training course by acknowledging PCHR’s role in protecting human rights and disseminating human rights culture amongst youth, especially university students. In his speech, al-Haddad talked about the importance of the role played by human rights defenders. He called upon the trainees to ignore their political affiliations when dealing with human rights violations.
Jaber Wishah, PCHR’s Deputy Director, stressed the importance of human rights in the Palestinian society, saying that it is a pressing need. He explained that any community that does not respect human rights, human freedoms, the principle of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary cannot continue to exist.
Bassam al-Aqraa’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit, explained that this course aims at introducing human rights and a culture of tolerance to the trainees. He reviewed the training program, saying that it covers various international human rights instruments. These conventions are: The International Bill of Human Rights with its three components (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights); the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women. The rule of law, independence of the judiciary, political participation in democratic regiments and gender were also addressed.
A team of specialized trainers from PCHR gave the training to the beneficiaries. The team of trainers includes:
1. Bassam al-Aqraa’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit;
2. Sharif Abu Nassar, lawyer at PCHR’s Legal Aid Unit;
3. Majeda Shehada, researcher at PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit;
4. Salah Abu Hatab, social activist;
5. Khalil Shahin, Director of PCHR’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit;
6. Muna al-Shawwa, Director of PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit; and
7. Samir Hassaniya, lawyer at PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit.
