Ref: 91/2010

On Thursday, 16 December 2010, the
Training Unit of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a
training course in Human Rights, in cooperation with al-Karmel Cultural Society
for Societal Development in Deir al-Balah governorate. The 20-hour training course was held in the
main office of the Society in Nuseirat refugee camp in the period 12-16 December
2010.  The number of participants in the
course was 28 ones representing six active societal institutions in Deir
al-Balah.

The course focused on a number of
international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights; 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; in addition to the independence of jurisdiction,
political participation and gender.

The training was conducted by a
number of specialized trainers from PCHR: Majda Shhada, a researcher in PCHR’s
Women’s Rights Unit; Sharif Abu Nassar, lawyer in PCHR’s Legal 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
constitutes part of a 3-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.  Al-Aqra’
added 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’ asked the
participants to benefit from the services offered by PCHR, confirming that it
is open for all. He hoped that this
course would constitute the beginning of a fruitful relationship between PCHR
and civil society organizations and people.

The participants highly appreciated
efforts made by PCHR to disseminate human rights culture in the Palestinian
society. One of the participants from al-Karmel
Society, Wa’el ‘Isa, stated that the course contributed to raising the
participants’ awareness of human rights. He added that this course enriched their professional and social
knowledge. Another participant from
al-Tawasol Forum Society, Mirvat al-Bahnasawi, said she highly appreciated the
efficiency of trainers, and the training methods, which contributed to
enriching effective participation and fruitful discussion.  All participants received certificates at the
conclusion of the course.