Ref: 07/2013

On Thursday, 14 February 2013, the
Training Unit of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a
training course in the field of international human rights law and
international humanitarian law at al-Azhar University in Gaza.  The 16-hour training course was held at
PCHR’s head office in Gaza City in the period 11-14 February 2013.  27 students attended the course.

The program of the course included a
number of international human rights instruments, including the International
Bill of Human Rights (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 Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women; Universal Declaration on the Elimination of
Violence against Women; in addition to the independence of the judiciary and
the rule of law.

A team of specialized trainers
supervised the training sessions.  The
team included Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit; Mr. Fadel
al-Mzaini, a researcher at PCHR’s Economic, Social and Cultural Unit; Ahlam
al-Aqra’, a lawyer at PCHR’s Legal Aid Unit; Mona al-Shawwa, Director of PCHR’s
Women’s Unit, Majda Shehada, a researcher at PCHR’s Women’s Unit, and Judge
Zaher al-Saqqa.

Mr. Bassam al-Aqra’ stated that this
course is part of long-term efforts exerted by PCHR to promote human rights in
the Palestinian society in cooperation with community-based organizations.  He added that PCHR offers its services to all
sectors of the society, especially law students, highlighting the strong relation
between PCHR and law students. Al-Aqra’ hoped that a new generation of
specialized legal researchers in the field of international human right law and
international humanitarian law would be created.

According to feedback received from
the participants, they highly appreciated PCHR’s efforts to enhance respect for
human rights in Palestinian society. 
Ritta Eid said that this course contributed to raising the participants’
awareness of the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law,
in addition to helping young people improve their way of thinking to claim
their rights and access to justice and democracy.  Eid hoped that PCHR would hold more courses
for students. Further, Omar al-Dabous appreciated the course and praised the
dedication of the trainers and the use of diverse interactive training
methods.  He added that active participation and discussion during the
training sessions had enriched the course, but he requested that more topics
should be addressed in such courses.

All participants received
certificates at the conclusion of the course.