Al Mezan, in Collaboration with the Central Elections Commission, Opens a Training Course for Members of Civil Society Institutions in Rafah

In the context of Al Mezan ongoing efforts to promote democratic values and human rights culture, on Monday, 18 April 2016, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights (Al Mezan), in collaboration with the Central Elections Commission, opened a training course entitled “Elections: Gateway to Renew Legality and Legitimacy of the Political System”. Participants included 32 social activists representing 15 civil society institutions based in Rafah. This training is a part of Al Mezan partnership project with civil society institutions, funded by the European Union. 

The three-day training course will discuss elections and their importance and values, as well as standards and safeguards that must be met in order to achieve free and fair elections. In addition, the course will discuss the impact of elections on establishing a democratic system, which respects political pluralism and human rights.

The training was opened by Mr. Mohamed Abdullah, head of Al Mezan’s Rafah branch, and Mr. Mohamed Shaheen, coordinator of the Central Elections Commission in Rafah. Mr. Abdullah welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the training, especially for those working in civil society institutions. He added that Al Mezan looks forward to see them play a role in raising awareness of elections among various social groups.

Through this campaign, Al Mezan seeks to raise awareness about elections as a fundamental part of human rights and a safeguard for many other rights. Al Mezan is also promoting respect and realization of bases that underpin any free and fair election process, such as: the principle of periodic elections, liberties, and respect of human rights. Therefore, Al Mezan is employing own experience and competence to reach out to youth, members of civil society, and marginalized groups through capacity building and awareness raising activities.

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