On Sunday 10 July 2011, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights delivered a training course entitled “Freedom of Expression and of the Press according to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
” Twenty-two journalists participated in the course, which was held at Al Mezan’s main office in Gaza City.
  Al Mezan’s director, Mr.
Issam Younis, opened the course by welcoming the participants and thanking them for their attendance and commitment.
He announced that the course’s aims were to enhance and promote the culture of human rights through the joint work of this important and effective social sector.
Mr.
Younis then spoke about the deteriorated human rights situation facing Palestinian society.
He highlighted the challenges that human rights activists and defenders face.
Mr.
Younis asserted the importance of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in the protection of our society.
Mr.
Younis stated his hope that the course would achieve its goals in promoting human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) and in increasing people’s awareness of these issues.
  Mrs.
Shirin Al Shobaki, coordinator of the training and mass communication unit at Al Mezan, presented the attendees with some background about the work of Al Mezan.
She then reviewed the training schedule with the participants and expressed her hope that the newly acquired knowledge would help the participants to effectively discuss human rights issues.
  The course comprises 24 hours of material which will be presented over four days and will introduce the participants to: the historical and legal framework of IHL and international human rights law (IHRL); the content of IHL and IHRL, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the impact of violence against women and children; an introduction to the basic principles of International Humanitarian Law, including the protection of journalists under IHL; the right to freedom of opinion and expression under Palestinian law; human rights violations and national and international protection mechanisms; freedom of opinion and expression under the international human rights covenants; and the role of media in promoting human rights, democracy and national peace.
  Mr.
Mahmoud Abu Rahma, coordinator of communications and international relations at Al Mezan, delivered the first session, an introduction to human rights.
He discussed the human rights concept, the historical development of human rights, and the International Bill of Human Rights (the two major human rights covenants).
  Mrs.
Shirin Al Shobaki delivered the second session.
She discussed the place of women and child in human rights.
She also covered the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
END