Ref: 34/2006

Date:  02 July 2006

At the Invitation of PCHR, the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) Completes a Fact-finding Mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

On Sunday, 2 July 2007, the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) completed a week-long fact-finding mission to the OPT that began on Monday, 26 June 2006.  The visit’s aim was to gather information and prepare a report on violations of Palestinians’ economic and social rights, as a result of the cutting of aid to the Palestinian people following the Hamas victory in the last parliamentary elections and the formation of the new Palestinian government.  FIDH Secretary-General, Olivier De Schutter, headed the mission, which was organised at the request of PCHR in light of the recent developments in the OPT and the economic siege against Palestinians.

The mission was planned to cover both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  However, the Israeli Occupation Forces’ (IOF) closure of the Gaza Strip, and the launching of a military operation in the area, prevented the mission from visiting Gaza.

During their visit, the mission met with the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), Dr. Aziz Dweik; the Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Abdel Raziq; the President of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Lo’ay Shabana; officials in the Ministry of Education; officials in the Ministry of Planning; representatives from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society; civil society figures; PLC members; UNRWA officials; and representatives from Israeli human rights organizations who monitor Israeli violations in the OPT.  The IOF detainment of Palestinian political figures and officials in the West Bank, on 29 June 2006, prevented the mission from meeting a number of cabinet ministers.

Mr. De Schutter expressed the intention of FIDH and PCHR to prepare a comprehensive human rights report on the negative effects of the international aid cut on different aspects of life in the OPT.  He stated that the aim of the report would be to portray the situation and to examine the short-term and long-term effects of aid cuts.  The final report will be presented to governmental and parliamentary bodies, in particular the EU.

At the end of the visit coordinated by PCHR, Mr. De Schutter commended the Centre’s efforts to defend human rights and its facilitation of the visit to the OPT.  The mission schedule was prepared and coordinated by Mr. Samih Mohsin, PCHR’s Public Relations Director in the West Bank.  Mr. Mohsin accompanied the mission during their visits.

It is noted that PCHR is a member of FIDH, which includes forty-two human rights organizations from all over the world.  It is one of the most important international human rights organizations and has a special interest in the OPT.  PCHR’s Director, Mr. Raji Sourani, is currently FIDH’s Vice-President.