Ref: 53/2011

On Thursday, 15
September 2011, the Training Unit of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
(PCHR) concluded two training courses in the field of human rights and
democracy in cooperation with the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC)
in Rafah and Deir al-Balah. The training
courses were held in the context of an agreement between PCHR and UAWC to organize
five training courses.  The first
training course was held in the hall of Rafah’s sports club in Rafah town,
while the other one was held in the hall of the Palestinian Commission for
Development in Deir al-Balah. The
25-hour training courses were held in the period 11-15 September 2011. Forty five fishermen participated in the two
training courses.

These two
training courses are part of an agreement between PCHR and UAWC to organize
five training courses for fishermen in the five governments of the Gaza
Strip. The training courses are
organized in the context of a project to improve living conditions, security,
safety and defense of human rights of fishermen in the Gaza Strip, which is
funded by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID). The total number of participants in the five
training courses reached 125 fishermen.

The program of
the courses included a number of international human rights instruments: The
International Bill of Human Rights (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 Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women; and Universal Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence against Women; in addition to the rule of law, independence
of judiciary and democracy (concept and practice).

The training
was conducted by a number of specialized trainers from PCHR: Majda Shihada, a researcher
in PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit; Hanan Matar, a lawyer in PCHR’s Women’s Rights
Unit; Sameer Hasaniya, a lawyer in PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit; Sharif Abu
Nassar, a lawyer in PCHR’s Legal Aid Unit; Ahlam al-Aqra’, a lawyer in PCHR’s
Legal Aid Unit; Ibrahim Sourani, a lawyer in PCHR’s Legal Aid Unit; Bassam
al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit; Khalil Shaheen, Director of PCHR’s
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit; and Dr. Fadel al-Mzeini, a researcher
in PCHR’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit. Additionally, Dr. Bassam Abu Hasheesh, a
lecturer in al-Aqsa University; Salem Qdeih, a social activist; Salah Abu
Hatab, a social activist; and Dunia al-Amal Isma’il, a social activist and
writer participated in the training.

Bassam
al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit, explained that this course is part
of long-term efforts made by PCHR to promote human rights in the Palestinian
society in cooperation with community-based organizations. Al-Aqra’ added that what is new in this
training is targeting fishermen as a new target group in order to disseminate the
culture of human rights and democracy among fishermen and guide them towards
the legal measures of defending their rights in cases of violations.  
Al-Aqra’ asked the participants to benefit from the services offered by PCHR,
confirming that they are open for all.  He hoped that the courses would
constitute the beginning of a fruitful relationship between PCHR and civil
society organizations and fishermen to protect their rights.

In the
conclusion of the five courses, the participants highly appreciated PCHR’s
efforts to disseminate the culture of human rights in the Palestinian
society. The participants stressed that
the courses contributed to raising their awareness of the concepts of human
rights and explained the legal measures to defend their rights in cases of
violations. They highly appreciated the
topics discussed in the training, efficiency of trainers and the training
methods, which contributed to enriching effective participation and fruitful
discussion. Besides, they asked for the
continuation of such courses to target other groups of fishermen.

It should be
noted that the closing ceremony and distribution of certificates will be held
later.