Ref: 21/2009
Date: 25 June 2009
PCHR Concludes Third Training Course Targeting Activists in CBOs in Khan Yunis
On Thursday, 25 June 2009, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Training Unit concluded its third training course on human rights, which is a part of a series of training courses targeting activists in community-based organizations (CBOs) across the Gaza Strip. Eighteen female and male activists from 9 CBOs in Khan Yunis participated in the 20 training hour course that took place in PCHR’s sub-office in Khan Yunis between 21 and 25 June 2009.
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); political participation; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women. Gender equality, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary were also addressed.
A team of specialized trainers from PCHR provided the training to the beneficiaries. The training team included:
1. Sharif Abu Nassar, a lawyer in PCHR Legal Aid Unit;
2. Hanan Matar, a lawyer in PCHR Women’s Rights Unit;
3. Samir Hassaniya, a lawyer in PCHR Women’s Rights Unit;
4. Majda Shehada, a researcher in PCHR Women’s Rights Unit; and
5. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit; and
6. Salah Abu Hatab, a social activist.
Abdul Halim Abu Samra, Public Relations Officer at PCHR’s sub-office in Khan Yunis, concluded the course by explaining that the training aimed at transferring theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of human rights. He invited trainees to make use of PCHR’s services, affirming that PCHR is open for cooperation with CBOs in order to disseminate human rights and democracy amongst various social segments.
Participants appreciated PCHR’s efforts to serve the youth and to expose them to knowledge in the area of human rights. They called upon PCHR to hold further training courses in Khan Yunis, 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, Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit, Abdul Halim Abu Samra, Public Relations Officer at PCHR’s sib-office in Khan Yunis, and Ahmed Abu Mustafa, Director of Palestine Vanguards Society, handed certificates of participation to the trainees.
