On Sunday, 23 February 2002, PCHR opened
the first in a series of training courses for headmasters and teachers
of UNRWA schools in Khan Yunis. The course is concerned with the
field of human rights and democracy for headmasters and teachers; and is
taking place in coordination with the human rights instructor of the UNRWA
education department. Thirty headmasters and teachers are participating
in the 5-day course, which includes 3 daily training sessions. The
course will end on 27 February 2003.
Mr. Ibrahim Wishah, human rights instructor
in the UNRWA education department, praised PCHR for allowing UNRWA educational
staff to participate in such quality courses. He expressed hope that
the training sessions will give headmasters and teachers new skills and
experiences that may help them promote the concepts of human rights and
democracy in the school curricula they teach.
'Abdul Halim Abu Samra, coordinator of public relations in PCHR Khan Yunis office, welcomed the participants and wished them success in achieving PCHR's goals of raising awareness in the field of human rights. He asserted the importance of training in the field of human rights and democracy. Abu Samra also asserted that PCHR would continue its efforts to promote the culture of human rights and democracy in Palestinian society, particularly among those working in education. He added that training courses are a means through which PCHR is able to communicate with those who work in the field of education, and that access to PCHR's library and publications is available to all.
Bassam al-Aqra', coordinator of PCHR's training unit stated that this course is one in a series of courses as organized by PCHR and the UNRWA education department. He added that these courses are part of PCHR's plan to promote the culture of human rights and democracy in Palestinian society, especially among those who work in the field of education.
The course will include various subjects in the field of human rights and democracy, such as: the International Bill of Human Rights (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights); the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as other international humanitarian law. Also to be discussed are the Palestinian cause; the separation of powers and political pluralism in the democratic system; the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and the role of NGO's in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Training sessions are managed by specialized trainers in the field of human rights and democracy from PCHR as well as from outside. At the end of the course, participants will be awarded certificates.