Birzeit University’s Institute of Law, in cooperation with the Faculty of Law and Public Administration, organized a on February 28, 2013 legal encounter on the role of the Independence Commissions of Human Rights (ICHR) in addressing human rights issues.

Advocate Fadwa Thuweib presented on behalf of the commission, which is a semi-governmental monitor of rights and government conduct.

 

 

Institute researcher Muien Barghouthi introduced the encounter by exploring the significant debate on human rights and freedoms in Palestine. Barghouthi explained that the event is part of the Institute’s “solidarity with brave Palestinian political prisoners, especially those on hunger strike. Palestinian prisoners have demonstrated an unparalleled championship in defending their right to life, freedom and dignity.”

Thuweib said that, as a national institution, the ICHR monitors the status of human rights and documents human rights violations in Palestine. A presidential decree and ICHR bylaws provide for the main powers and tasks carried out by the ICHR. The organization’s executive offices implement ICHR functions throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. According to its vision and mission, the ICHR follows up on and ensures the safeguarding of human rights in Palestinian regulations and throughout Palestinian official bodies.

The ICHR receives public complaints about practices of maladministration, abuse of power and wasting of public funds, she said. The ICHR also raises legal awareness among the public and promotes public control and monitoring of human rights. Thuweib highlighted the importance of the ICHR’s monthly and annual reports, which shed light on the status of human rights across the Palestinian territory. Major human rights violations monitored by the ICHR in 2011 and 2012 included encroachments on the right to peaceful assembly, battering and torture.

In the discussion following her presentation, the audience raised significant questions on the status of human rights and violations in Palestine. Discussants addressed the ICHR’s role in monitoring Israeli violations as well as effective accountability mechanisms in processing complaints. Participants also highlighted infringements on the sanctity of homes, psychological impact of human rights violations on children, and physical assaults during peaceful assemblies.

The legal encounter brought together Birzeit University law students, academic researchers, legal experts and civil society representatives. It was held through support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.