On Wednesday 27 February 2013, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights with support from the United Nations Development Program/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) concluded two training courses on “Enhancing Lawyers’ Capacity in Legal Framework and Supporting Human Rights”, held at two training halls at the Laterna restaurant in Gaza City.
Mr.
Issam Younis, Al Mezan’s director; Mr.
Ibrahim Abu Shamala, vice director of the Rule of Law Program, Mr.
Daoud Al Masri, and Mrs Mervat An-Nahal, Al Mezan’s senior lawyer, participated in the conclusion ceremony.
Mrs.
An-Nahahl concluded the course by thanking the 60 participating and trainee lawyers for their interactive communication during the courses.
Mr.
Younis then spoke to the participants about the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and the importance of the course for lawyers, who play a vital role in defending victims of human rights violations.
He emphasized that the course aimed to enhance lawyers’ skills and knowledge in providing legal advice for victims of human rights violations.
He also urged lawyers to use the newly acquired knowledge in their legal work.
At the end of his speech, Mr.
Younis thanked Al Mezan’s partner UNDP/PAPP for their contribution at the courses.
Mr.
Ibrahim Abu Shamala talked about the partnership between the Rule of Law Program and Al Mezan.
He expressed his appreciation to Al Mezan’s efforts in making the courses success.
He asserted the importance of the courses and its role in enhancing lawyers’ skills in their work.
He urged lawyers to increase their interest in social issues particularly issues related to poor and marginalized people who cannot tolerate the cost of litigation.
Mr.
Abu Shamala also urged the lawyers to present ideas for projects that serves the rule of law and enable victims to achieve justices.
The course consisted of 24 training hours and was delivered over four days.
Participants were introduced to human rights law; human rights principles within existing legal frameworks; mechanisms of accountability in the International Criminal Court; procedures for collecting evidence, arrest, search, and in flagrante delicto in Criminal Procedures Law; standards of fair trial; ethics of legal practices; municipality regulations related to taxes duties; medical negligence; medical mistakes in Palestinian laws; legal basis for due responsibilities and duties.
A team of specialized experts from Al Mezan, with lawyers, judges, and public prosecutors, presented the course materials.
This course constituted one component of the “Empowerment of Fresh Law Graduates” project, implemented by Al Mezan with support from UNDP/PAPP to enable lawyers to use human rights language in their legal framework.
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