Ref: 63/2010

On Thursday, 1 July 2010, the Training Unit of the
Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a training course in the
field of human rights in the central Gaza Strip. The twenty-hour course was
held in the Youth Media Gathering from 27 June – 1 July 2010. Twenty-nine
participants received the training, representing 12 community-based
organizations in the central Gaza Strip.

The course focused on a number of international human rights
instruments, including the International Bill of Human Rights (which includes
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights); Convention on the Rights of the Child; Convention on
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and the Declaration
on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Also covered in the training was
the rule of law, the independence of judiciary and political participation.

The training was conducted by a number of specialized
trainers from PCHR: Samir Hassaniya, lawyer in PCHR’s Women’s Unit; Majda
Shihada, researcher in PCHR’s Women’s Unit; Sharif Abu Nassar, Lawyer in PCHR’s
Legal Aid Unit; Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit; and Khalil
Shaheen, Director of PCHR’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit.

In the conclusion of the course, 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 Palestinian society in cooperation with
civil society organizations. Mr. Al-Aqra’ added that this course is a part of a
three-year project funded by the European Union and Oxfam Novib, whose goal is
to improve awareness and respect of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian
Territory. He added that PCHR is ready to offer its services to all, hoping
that this course was a fruitful start to a good relationship between PCHR and
civil society organizations and the public.

Areej Nour, working at Fursan al-‘Erada Radio, said that the
course contributed to raising participants’ awareness of human rights and was
distinguished in the issues it focused on. She further appreciated the
efficiency of trainers and the training methods and added that she recognized
number of community-based organizations in the central governorate, which
contributes to strengthening the relationship among them.