Birzeit University’s Legal Clinic holds a training on monitoring and documenting violations against women

On Monday, 5 December 2022, in cooperation with the Psycho-Social Counselling Centre for Women (PSCCW), the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration at Birzeit University (BZU) held a training course on the monitoring and documentation of violations against women, with a particular focus on handling complaints on gender-based violence (GBV). Representing the PSCCW, Ms. Rawan Abu Ghazzeh delivered a presentation to a number of BA and MA law students as well as to the BZU Legal Unit staff.

Having welcomed Ms. Abu Ghazzeh and participants in the course, Mr. Mohammed Khadher, BZU Legal Clinic Supervisor, highlighted the PSCCW role in monitoring and documenting violations and following up on different cases, especially GBV, to bring about accountability and justice. In her opening statement, Ms. Abu Ghazzeh introduced herself as a practicing lawyer, specialising in women and personal status cases as well as a counsel before civil courts. She provided an overview of the PSCCW and the services it provides, including psycho-social, legal and economic empowerment services.

Mr. Abu Ghazzeh reviewed mechanisms for dealing with monitored and documented cases, including legal and psychological support and handling of complaints by arguing cases before courts and contacting relevant official bodies. Ms. Abu Ghazzeh stressed the need for compliance with the PSCCW regulations in order to create a safe working environment for cases. In their interventions, discussions, and inquiries, participants emphasised the important role of the PSCCW in monitoring, documentation, and handling of GVB cases through working mechanisms, which guaranteed justice as well as legal and human rights for victims.