Ref: 76/2011

On Thursday, 03 November 2011, the Training Unit of the Palestinian
Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) concluded a training course on human rights and
democracy, conducted in cooperation with civil society organizations in Khan
Yunis. The 20-hour training course was
held in PCHR’s sub-office in Khan Yunis from 30 October to 03 November 2011. There were 23 participants representing 13
societal institutions in Khan Yunis participating in the course.

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 Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women; the Universal Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence against Women. Additionally the course included
training on the rule of law; independence of the judiciary, and democracy as a
concept and practice.

The training was conducted by a number of specialized trainers from
PCHR: Majda Shihada, 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; Fadel al-Mzaini, researcher of PCHR’s Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights Unit; and Salah Abu Hatab, a community activist.

In conclusion of the course, Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s
Training Unit, explained 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’
added that  this course constitutes part of a 3-year project, funded by
the European Union and Oxfam Novib, which aims to improve awareness of and
respect for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory.   Al-Aqra’
encouraged the participants to utilize from the services offered by PCHR,
confirming that it is open for all. He expressed his hope that this course
would constitute the beginning of a fruitful relationship between PCHR and
civil society organizations and people.

The participants thanked PCHR for the efforts made to disseminate
human rights culture in the Palestinian society.  They stressed that the
course contributed to raising their awareness of the concepts of human rights,
and explaining the legal measures available to defend their rights in case of
violations.  The participants highly appreciated the course, the
efficiency of trainers, and the training methods, which contributed to
enriching effective participation and fruitful discussions.  Besides, they called for organizing similar
courses in the future.

Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR’s Training Unit, and Abdul Halim
Abu Samra, Public Relations Officer in PCHR’s sub-office in Khan Yunis,
distributed the certificates to the participants.