Birzeit University, the Independent Commission promote freedom of press

The Media Development Center at Birzeit University, represented by the Vice President of Community Affairs, Dr. Asim Khalil, and the Independent Commission for Human Rights, represented by its General Commissioner Farseen Shaheen, agreed to expand cooperation to promote freedom of expression and access to information.

 The signing ceremony was attended by the Director of the Media Development Center, Nibal Thawabteh, and the Studies Coordinator at the Center, Saleh Masharqa, in addition to the Media and Public Relations Officer at the Commission, Majid Sawalha.

Dr. Khalil talked about the solid relationship between the Center and the Commission, noting that the agreement will further develop cooperation between the two institutions, and will contribute to maintaining the rights of Palestinians, including journalists, who represent the fourth branch of the government. “Journalists have freedom of speech, and the ability to influence the government positively,” said Khalil.  

Shaheen said that the agreement would coordinate the knowledge exchange between the parties, by organizing different activities; producing specialized publications and research; and benefiting from the experiences of the staff of the Commission, who will offer their legal knowledge to journalists in the West Bank and Gaza, in addition to holding workshops and teaching relevant courses.

The Media Development Center has been organizing workshops and trainings in the West Bank, Gaza and Nazareth annually, and has been implementing various projects and research in cooperation with more than 80 institutions that are all specialized in media, law, and academia.