Palestinian Independent Commission For human Rights ICHR

Background Was established in 1993 (started 1994) with broad mandate Composed of 17 commissioners representing Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, 1948 area, and diaspora. Commissioners, including the CG, are non remunerated volunteers Executive body of around 70 staff , headed by the DG, in HQ and 5 field offices Produce annual report on HR that is submitted to the President and the Legislative Council.

ICHR main functions Legislative and Policy Reform (position papers, advocacy, workshops, research) Complaint handling and investigation and fact finding (around 3,000 complaint/year against security and civil institutions Supervision of prisons and detention centers (over 1,200 visits/year) HR promotion, awareness raising, training and capacity building HR monitoring (monthly report, annual report, special reports)

Challenges The Israel military Occupation and Siege on Gaza. Geographic separation between West Bank and Gaza. Internal political split-2 geographic areas -2 systems. Paralyzed legislative council –no parliamentary oversight with proliferation of Presidential decrees that have the power of law. Shortage of finances affecting government’s capability to deliver services and provision of economic and social rights to Palestinian citizens. ICHR had a key and effective role in mobilizing related institutions in 3 relatively wide based cases including the teachers strike, social security and the constitutional court In the first 2 we strongly believe that we had a lot in the reaching the solutions presented

Priorities Harmonization of national laws with international HR treaties Enhance accountability systems within security forces Enhance and institutionalize national torture prevention mechanisms Develop national indictors to assess HR status aligned with state national development plans and ICHR M&E system Engage with international HR mechanisms to promote Palestinian HR.

Please visit our website http://www.ichr.ps/en

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