Birzeit Celebrates Success of Joint Arab-European Masters in Democratic Governance

Birzeit University celebrated on July 14, 2016 the graduation of three students from the joint masters program in Human Rights and Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa Region (DE. MA) at Ca’ Foscari University, Italy.

The program is based on a partnership between the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratization, Birzeit University, the International University of Rabat in Morocco, St. Joseph University in Lebanon, Ca’ Foscari University in Italy and a growing network of partner universities in the region.

Birzeit University President Abdullatif Abuhijleh emphasized in his speech at the graduation ceremony how eager the university is to play an active role in the ongoing debate about the principles underpinning the transition of political regimes to democracy, especially in the Arab world.

“The program’s international environment is evident in the wide range of students’ different nationalities, while the unique mix between theory and practice is ensured by the combination of workshops, lectures and practical experience,” he said.

Abuhijleh reaffirmed the program’s unique learning platform which combines theory with practice, creating high-profile experts in the fields of democratic governance and the protection of human rights, allowing them to act as promotors of a process leading to the affirmation of democratic principles, governance, and human rights.

“The world today is thriving for justice of all types: social, political, economic and environmental,” Abuhijleh said. “Learning has proved to be an effective means to achieve better conditions for those who suffer. Activism in inevitable in the quest for freedom, justice, democracy and the respect and protection of human rights. We are all partners in realizing a better future for us all.”