Ref: 50/2008

Date: 06 November 2008

PCHR Closes its Annual Program Joint With UNRWA in Gaza on Human Rights

The Training Unit in the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded on Thursday, 6 November 2008, its annual joint program with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. PCHR Training Unit agreed with Mr. Ibrahim Weshah, UNRWA human rights supervisor, on the implementation of the 2008 program that included 7 training courses on human rights and the international humanitarian law.

Six out of the program’s 7 training courses targeted teachers of human rights at UNRWA schools in the Gaza strip, while the seventh course targeted members of the Student Parliament in UNRWA Gaza Training College. The training was held in equipped halls at UNRWA schools and covered UNRWA educational directorates in Khan Younis, Middle Gaza and Gaza. 165 participants benefited from the courses, each of which continued for 3 days, with 9 training hours in total for each.

Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit, explained that the topics of the training were agreed upon through deliberations with UNRWA human rights supervisor. The training topics were selected to address the needs of the target group and increase their capacity to perform their work aiming at the education of human rights. The training program included topics such as: the historical development of human rights; 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; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; international humanitarian law. 

A team of specialized trainers from PCHR and other institutions conducted the training. Discussion was adopted as a method for communication between trainers and trainees, which contributed to enhanced participation and an interacting environment among participants. The members of the training team were: Ms. Majeda Shihada, a researcher at PCHR Women’s Rights Unit; Mr. Samir Hasaniya, a lawyer at PCHR Women’s Rights Unit; Ms. Muna al-Shawa, Director of PCHR Women’s Rights Unit; Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit; Mr. Khalil Shahin, Director of PCHR Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit; and Dr. Bassam Abu Hashish, a lecturer at al-Aqsa University.

At the conclusion of the training courses participants were given certificates.

There has been a close and ongoing cooperation between PCHR and UNRWA in the Gaza Strip in the field of human rights education at UNRWA schools for more than 6 years. This cooperation has resulted in the design of an annual program that is agreed upon in the beginning of each year.