Ref: 08/2009

Date: 14 May 2009

PCHR and the Palestine Bar Association in Gaza Conclude the Second Training Course for Young Lawyers on Litigation before Shari’a Courts

On Thursday, 14 May 2009, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Training and Women’s Rights Units, in cooperation with the Palestine Bar Association, concluded the second training course for young lawyers on litigation before Shari’a courts. In attendance were Mr. Salama Bsaiso, Deputy Head of the Palestine Bar Association, Dr. Sa’id Abu al-Jabin, Judge in the Palestinian High Court and inspector of Sharia’ Courts, and Jaber Wishah, Deputy Director of PCHR.

The training course took place in PCHR’s main office in Gaza City from 7 to 14 May 2009 (18 training hours), with 30 lawyers in attendance.

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Bsaiso commented on the strength of the relationship between PCHR and the Palestine Bar Association. He urged that this relationship be maintained in the interest of lawyers, particularly young lawyers. He also commented on PCHR’s role with respect to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law amongst young lawyers, as evidenced by the joint annual program implemented by PCHR’s Training Unit. Mr. Bsaiso noted PCHR’s role in defending human rights and in prosecuting Israeli war criminals internationally. He concluded by congratulating the participants.

Dr. al-Jabin, thanked PCHR for their efforts in developing the capacities and knowledge of lawyers intending to practice before the Shari’a Courts. He confirmed the decision to organize two examinations, in June and December of each year, for lawyers wanting to practice litigation before Shari’a Courts.

In his speech, Mr. Jaber Wishah affirmed the unique relationship between lawyers and human rights, noting that both lawyers and human rights defenders work to raise the voice of victims and assist them in obtaining their rights. Mr. Wishah explained that the relationship between PCHR and the Palestine Bar Association is not temporal, but stable and continuous. He also explained that one of the aspects of this relationship centers upon empowering lawyers in the area of human rights. Finally, Mr. Wishah urged lawyers not to hesitate to ask for PCHR’s assistance, stressing the accessibility of PCHR’s law library.

Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit, pointed out that the course is a unique one as it is the first of its kind among the courses organized for young lawyers in the Gaza Strip in the field of litigation before Sharia’ courts. Al-Aqra’ indicated that this course includes many topics such as: introduction to Sharia’ judiciary; family law; inheritance; the procedures of litigation; and the Convention in the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Hanan Matar and Samir Hassania, lawyers in PCHR Women’s Rights Unit, and Muna al-Shawa, Director of PCHR Women’s Rights Unit, supervised the training course. Sheikh Sa’id Abu al-Jbeen, and Dr. ‘Imad Hamatto, Sharia’ lawyer and lecturer at al-Quds Open University, provided external training. At the end of the closing ceremony, certificates were distributed to young lawyers who attended the training.