Ref: 39/2008

Date: 13 October 2008

PCHR organizes a Training Course on International Human Rights Law for Young Female Journalists

On 12 October 2008, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) launched a training course on the international human rights law. Today is the second consecutive day of the course which is organized in cooperation with the Creative Women Society in Gaza City for young female journalists.

Twenty-two young female journalists and graduates from media and public relations faculties are participating in the course which is planned for 5 days between 12 and 16 October 2008 with a total of 20 training hours.

Mr. Bassan al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit, opened the course by introducing PCHR, PCHR units and their work mechanisms. Al-Aqra’ reiterated the importance of human rights, particularly in the time being as the Palestinian people are passing through critical conditions. He also stressed that commitment to human rights was a community pressing need. Finally, he expressed hopes for the creation of a generation of journalists specialized in the field of human rights.

The training course topics are designed to address the needs of the participants. Focus is put on certain topics to help participants humanize their discourse. The training presents 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) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. The training also discusses the concepts of the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and freedom of expression. In addition, the training will review the personal experience of two female journalists with regard to the relation between the media and human rights organizations.

Using different training techniques that contribute to enhancing the spirit of active participation and fruitful discussion, a professional team of trainers from PCHR and from outside supervises the training sessions. The members of this team are: journalist Asma’a al-Ghoul; journalist and writer Donya al-Amal Isma’il; Dr. Bassam Abu Hashish, a lecturer at al-Aqsa University; Bassan al-Aqra’, Director of PCHR Training Unit; Hamdi Shaqqoura; Director of PCHR Democratic Development Unit; Muna Shawa and Majda Shehada, from PCHR Women’s Rights Unit; and Sharif Nassar, a lawyer at PCHR Legal Unit.