Ref: 45/2010
During this week, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ (PCHR)
Democratic Development Unit (DDU) organized three meetings on political
participation and elections, in cooperation with three local organizations in
the Gaza Strip.
The last meeting was held on Thursday morning, 22 April 2010, in the offices of the
Palestinian Association for Citizenship and Community Development in al-Amal
neighborhood in Khan Yunis, with the participation of 28 graduates, community
activists and members of local organizations.
On Wednesday, another meeting was held in the offices of Khan Younis
Graduates Society with 31 members of the society in presence.
A third meeting was held on Tuesday in the offices of the Palestinian
Youth Center in Gaza City; 23 members of the Center participated.
During the three meetings, Salah Abu Hatab, a social activist, presented
a paper on “Political Participation and Elections.” The participants were then given the
opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions.
These three meetings are a part of a three-year project funded by the
European Union and Oxfam Novib. The project is titled “Improving Awareness
and Respect for Human Rights in the OPT.” The events are also a part
of continued efforts made by PCHR to raise awareness on the concept of
democracy in Palestinian society, especially in view of the decline of
Palestinians’ trust in the democratic process due to the ongoing political
fragmentation and its consequences.