Ref: 37/2009

Date: 05 August 2009

PCHR Organizes Three Panel Discussions in the Context of Activities to Promote Democracy in the Palestinian Society

The Democracy Development Unit (DDU) of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has organized three panel discussions intended to promote democracy in Palestinian Society. These panel discussions constitute a core component of PCHR’s activities, and are organized in cooperation with local civil society organizations.

On Wednesday, 05 August 2009, a panel discussion was organized in cooperation with Sharek Youth Forum in Gaza City. The discussion was attended by approximately 25 university students and recent graduates. Bassam al-Aqra’, Director of the PCHR Training Unit, presented a paper entitled “A Historical Overview of Development of Human Rights Concepts.”  Salah Abu Hatab, a social activist, presented a paper on political participation within a democratic regime.

On Tuesday 4 August 2009, a meeting was organized in cooperation with Women’s Activities Center in Khan Yunis. The meeting was attended by approximately 25 female activists and volunteers working in the center.  During the meeting, Mahmoud al-Efranjy, a researcher in PCHR DDU, presented a paper on the right to freedom of expression under the PNA rule.

On 29 July 2009, Al-Efranjy presented, a paper on the same subject during a panel discussion held in cooperation with Sharek Youth Forum in Gaza City. The discussion was attended by a number of university students and recent graduates.

These meetings aim at raising public awareness with respect to democratic concepts and ways to enhance them in the Palestinian society. Such action is particularly important as a result of Palestinians’ deteriorating faith in the democratic process consequent to the international community’s boycott of the results of the Palestinian legislative elections of January 2006, and as a result of the internal fragmentation and its consequent destructive impacts on the Palestinian national cause.