8 October 1997

The Human Rights Watch Commission of the Palestinian Legislative Council visited LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment yesterday, 7 October. The delegation was comprised of Kamal Asharafi, Dr. Hassan Khrisha, Muaweya Al Masri, and Jamila Seidem.

Khader Shkirat, Director of LAW, gave an overview of the objectives, programs, and the different activities of the society. He updated the committee on LAW’s work opposing house demolition and land confiscation and also explained about the recent attempts by settlers to take over houses in East Jerusalem.

Shkirat added that LAW is currently monitoring violations of human rights by the security services in the PA controlled areas. It has succeeded in petitioning the High Court to issue orders against arbitrary arrest.

Shkirat also talked about LAW’s defense of Mahmoud Musleh, director of the Islamic Charitable Society in Ramallah, who has been illegally detained and prevented from meeting with lawyers. As a result of LAW’s efforts, the High Court has demanded clarification from the Attorney General of the Palestinian Authority concerning his detention and the refusal to allow him legal council.

Shkirat praised the role of the Council delegation in the defense and protection of human rights. He pointed out the responsibility of the delegation in deterring the security services from further violations and preventing administrative corruption in governmental institutions.

The Council members praised the role of LAW in exposing human right’s abuses regardless of the source, either Israel or the PA. Dr. Asharafi, head of the delegation, elaborated on the activities of the committee, its role, and the difficulties which impede its work. Asharafi complained that the committee did not have sufficient workspace for its members in the West Bank and Gaza. He also indicated the great amount of work to be done with citizens’ complaints.

LAW expressed its desire to cooperate with the committee and offered help and experience in the field of human rights. The meeting ended with a commitment to hold regular meetings in the future and translate this cooperation into effective action.

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment is a non-governmental organization, dedicated to preserving human rights through legal advocacy. LAW is also an affiliate member of the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights.