Ref: 127/2009

The offices of the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) in Khan Yunis were raided earlier this week. According to Hassan Abu Kaware’, UAWC coordinator in Khan Yunis, he headed to UAWC offices on Monday morning, 14 December 2009. He found that the computer at his desk was missing. He explained that he did not find any traces of destruction on walls or windows, and none of the files or the other possessions in the offices were stolen. Abu Kaware’ reported the incident to the police who did not travel to the scene to conduct an investigation. The police only took his testimony in the police station.

It should be noted that this is the third attack of its kind in the Gaza Strip this week. The offices of Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) and the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) were stormed and attacked by unknown persons over the course of last weekend.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack and:

1.      Demands competent authorities to open investigations, bring perpetrators to justice and publish the results of the investigation to the public;

Emphasizes the important role played by civil society organizations in the provision of services to the community, especially in light of the tight closure that has been imposed on Gaza. Competent authorities are required to provide protection to these organizations.