Ref: 30/2009

Date: 02 July 2009

PCHR Concludes Fourth Training Course Targeting Activists of CBOs in Rafah

On Thursday, 2 July 2009, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Training Unit concluded its fourth training course in a series of training courses on human rights. The course was held in cooperation with the National Association of Democracy and Law in Rafah between 28 June and 1 July 2005 (20 training hours). Twenty four female and male activists from 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) in Rafah participated in the course. It should be noted that PCHR allocates 5 training courses of its annual training program to female and male activists of CBOs across the Gaza Strip.

The training program covered a number of international human rights instruments including: 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; and the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women.  The rule of law and independence of the judiciary, political participation under democratic regimes and gender equity were addressed as well.

A team of specialized trainers from PCHR provided the training to the beneficiaries.  The training team included:

1. Sharif Abu Nassar, lawyer in PCHR’s Legal Unit;
2. Majda Shehada, researcher in PCHR’s Women’s Rights Unit;
3. Bassam al-‘Aqra’a, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit; and
4. Salah Abu Hatab, social activist. 

Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit, concluded the course by explaining that the training aimed at making participants acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of human rights.  He encouraged participants in the training to communicate what they learnt to their colleagues in CBOs.  Al-Aqra’ affirmed that PCHR is open for CBOs to cooperate in order to disseminate human rights and democracy amongst different social segments.   

Participants appreciated PCHR’s efforts to serve the youth and make them acquire knowledge in the area of human rights.  They called upon PCHR to hold further training courses in Rafah, saying that these courses are of major importance in raising awareness of human rights amongst community members.  Participants noted that trainers used different distinctive methods that encouraged participants to actively engage in fruitful discussions. 

Finally, Majda Shehada, researcher in PCHR’s Women’s Unit and Bassam al-Aqra’, director of PCHR’s Training Unit, handed certificates to trainees.