Introduction

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) focuses on the development of civil and political rights as a part of its work monitoring the human rights conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), which includes the territories under the control of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). One of the rights that PCHR seeks to develop is the right to form associations. The enjoyment or non-enjoyment of this right reflects the type of society being created and developed. Civil society organizations (CSOs), including non-government organizations (NGOs), played a major role in keeping the Palestinian identity, which was founded during in the Ottoman Empire. These organizations aimed at resisting the occupation and supporting the Palestinians socially and economically. Since their inception, CSOs have contributed to the promotion of the process of community development by offering basic services at the health, agricultural and relief levels. Conversely, CSOs have played a vital role advancing democratic process and political participation.