Ref: 12/2008
Date: 24 April 2008
Raji Sourani Reelected to the Executive Board of the Arab Organization for Human Rights
PCHR’s Director, Raji Sourani, was reelected to the Executive Board of the Arab Organization (AOHR) for Human Rights during the 7th periodic meeting of the AOHR General Assembly meeting on 18-19 April. The meeting was held parallel to the AOHR 25th anniversary celebrations, which also included commemorating the Organization’s pioneers and the pioneers of the human rights movement in the Arab World.
The AOHR General Assembly convened its 7th meeting under the motto of “Future Program in a Changing Context,” and fielded reports from its regional members. The General Assembly discussed various topic that included security and judicial persecution of human rights defenders, restrictions on the freedom of association for human rights groups, foreign occupation of Arab land and subsequent human rights violations, Ethiopian military presence in Somalia and the deteriorating humanitarian situation there, human rights violations in Sudan, situation in Lebanon, and torture and cruel treatment in detention centers in most Arab countries.
The General Assembly adopted a new strategy for the upcoming period based on promoting economic, social, and cultural rights alongside the promotion of civil and political rights.
It is noted that the General Assembly election of trustees resulted in electing 6 new trustees out of 20. Dr. Amin Mikki Medani was reelected as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Dr. Siham El-Fareih was elected Deputy Chair of the same board. Mr. Mohsin Awad was elected as AOHR Secretary-General; and Ambassador Ibrahim Allam was elected as the Organization’s Executive Director.
