Ref: 58/2012

On Tuesday, 26 June 2012, Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of the
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), met with a high profile delegation
from Irish Aid.  The delegation was
headed by Ms. Dympna Hayes, Head of Mission, Representative Office of Ireland
to the Palestinian Authority (PA), and was comprised of: Ms. Fionnuala Callnan,
Deputy, Representative Office of Ireland to the PA; Ms. Stephanie O’Brien,
Incoming Deputy, Representative Office of Ireland to the PA; Ms. Fionnuala
Gilsenan, Director, Civil Society Section, Irish Aid; Mr. Kevin Kelly,
Director, Emergency and Recovery Section, Irish Aid; and Mr. David Bruck,
Deputy Director, Emergency and Recovery Section, Irish Aid. 

This meeting was held due to the longstanding cooperation and
coordination between PCHR and the Irish Foreign Ministry.  The Representative Office of Ireland is a
major PCHR’s partner.  In addition,
Ireland supports the Palestinian cause, has a balanced position at the European
level and does not compromise human rights standards or principles.  This position is consistent with Palestinian
human rights organizations, in particular PCHR. 
PCHR also has a distinguished relationship with the Irish President.      

This meeting discussed the human rights situation in the occupied
Palestinian territory.  Mr. Sourani briefed
the members of the delegation on developments regarding the ongoing closure
imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, stressing that the closure is being
institutionalized.  He pointed out that
no major improvements have been made regarding the closure, in spite of
Israel’s claims that they are “easing” the closure.  The Israel occupation authorities have
continued to impose a ban on Gazan exports, and on the importation of raw
materials and constructions materials that are necessary for the reconstruction
of Gaza.

Mr. Sourani drew the attention of the members of the delegation to
the measures taken by Israel over the past 5 years with the purpose of
institutionalizing the closure, highlighting the impact of the closure on the lives
of the civilian population and at the economic, social, humanitarian and health
levels, which were demonstrated recently in the crises of fuel and electricity in
Gaza. 

This meeting also addressed the internal situation and prospects of
Palestinian national reconciliation.  Mr.
Sourani stated that Palestinians hope there will be a progress made to end the
Palestinian split, form a national unity government, restore the dignity of
Palestinian institutions and create an appropriate environment for free and
fair elections.

On Wednesday, 27 June 2012, Mr. Sourani received in PCHR’s head
office in Gaza City a delegation from Amnesty International, comprised of:  Ms. Deborah Hines, Researcher, Middle East and
North Africa Program; and Mr. Saleh Hijazi, Campaigns Officer, Middle East and
North Africa Program.