Ref: 85/2013

On Wednesday morning, 11 December 2013, the
Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) received in its head office in Gaza
Dr. Martin Irulu, Representative of Finland to the Palestinian National
Authority (PNA), and his wife.

Dr. Irulu met with Mr. Hamdi Shaqqura, Deputy
Director of PCHR for Program Affairs and Director of the Democratic Development
Unit, and Ms. Mona al-Shawa, Director of the Women’s Rights Unit.  PCHR’s representatives welcomed Dr. Irulu
praising the role played by Finland in supporting the Palestinian people, and
expressing their appreciating for the partnership and cooperation between PCHR
and the Finnish Government. 

The Finnish Representative congratulated PCHR
for the Right Livelihood Award granted (Alternative Nobel Prize) granted to its
director, Lawyer Raji Sourani, stressing that this awards reflects
international appreciation for PCHR and its director, and recognition for their
prominent role in the field of human rights. 
He emphasized that he follows up and appreciates PCHR’s ongoing work and
efforts for defending Palestinian human rights, expressing his country’s
support for PCHR. 

During the meeting, PCHR’s representatives
addresses the developments of the human rights situation in the occupied
Palestinian territory, especially the closure that has been imposed on the Gaza
Strip for several years, which constitutes a form of collective punishment in
violation of the international law.  They
also reviewed the impacts of the closure on the humanitarian, economic and
social conditions of the Palestinian population, focusing on the current crises
in the Gaza Strip, especially in regards to electricity and fuel supplies,
which have affected all aspects of life and all segments of the society,
especially women.

The meeting further discussed the ongoing
Palestinian split, which has created political crises whose price is paid by
Palestinians.  PCHR’s representatives
emphasized if the split continues liberties in the West Bank and Gaza will deteriorate,
and efforts to establish a Palestinian society governed by the rule of law and
independence of the judiciary will be obstructed.