Ref: 87/2010

On Thursday, 25 November 2010, the Training Unit of the
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a training course on Human
Rights, in cooperation with the Palestinian Comprehensive Community-based
Society in Gaza. The 20-hour training
course was held in the main office of the society in Gaza City during the
period 21-25 November 2010.  The course
was administered to 22 volunteers from the society.

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; the Convention on the
Rights of the Child and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. The course also emphasized general principles,
including the independence of jurisdiction, political participation and ending violence
against women.

The training was conducted by a number of specialized
training officers from PCHR: Samir Hassaniya, lawyer in PCHR’s Women’s Rights
Unit; Mona al-Shawwa, director of Women’s Rights Unit; Sharif Abu Nassar,
lawyer in PCHR; Bassam al-Aqra’, director of PCHR’s Training Unit; and Khalil
Shaheen, director of PCHR’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit.

In his closing speech, Hani Zaqout, director of the society,
thanked PCHR for the continuous efforts it exerts in raising awareness on human
rights. Zaqout emphasized that the course will serve as a stepping stone,
paving the way for more cooperative efforts between the society and PCHR.

While concluding the course, Bassam al-Aqra’, director of
PCHR’s Training Unit, explained that this course constitutes part of a three-year
project, funded by the European Union and Oxfam Novib, aimed at improving
awareness of and respect for human rights in the Occupied Palestinian
Territory.  Al-Aqra’ added that this
course is part of PCHR’s long-term efforts to promote human rights within Palestinian
society in cooperation with community-based organizations. He asked participants to make use of the
services offered by PCHR, highlighting that they are open for all. Al-Aqra’ mentioned that he hoped this course
would constitute the beginning of a fruitful relationship between PCHR, civil
society organizations and the individual members of society.

The participants highly appreciated the efforts made by PCHR
to disseminate a culture of human rights within Palestinian society. One of the participants, Mimi Bakr, stated
that the course contributed to raising the participants’ awareness about human
rights. She added that this course
enriched their professional and social knowledge.  

Another participant, Inas Safi, said she highly appreciated
the efficiency the trainers exuded and their training methods, which promoted
effective participation and fruitful discussion.  All participants received certificates at the
conclusion of the course.