In an atmosphere of passionate
discussions, more than 150 representatives of CSO, trade unions,
NGOs, and political parties, in addition to several members of the
Palestinian Legislative Council and distinguished guests attended a
total of six workshops in the West Bank and Gaza (WB&G). The
purpose of the workshops was to discuss principles and laws
governing the “Right of Assembly in Palestine” as it relates
to political parties, non governmental organizations and trade
unions. The subject of the workshops, mentioned above, constitutes
the core of the project “Enhancing the legal Framework of
Association in the Arab World through National Dialogue and
Empowerment of Civil Society”, which is implemented by AMAN and in
partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FN) and funded by the
European Union (EU).
Several distinguished guests
attended and participated in the workshops especially in the WB.
Dr. Azmi Shuaibi, AMAN’s Commissioner for Combating Corruption, was
at the grand opining of the workshop in Nablus, August 26, 2008. In
his speech, Mr. Shuaibi, briefed the participants of AMAN’s programs
and its mission of enhancing principles of transparency, systems of
accountability and values of integrity in the Palestinian society.
He also summarized the purpose of the workshops which is to inform,
and discuss present and past laws used in Palestine and whether or
not we are in need of issuing new laws where missing.
The workshop in Hebron was
attended by representatives from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation,
Mr. George Fleck, Resident Representative in Israel and the
Palestinian Autonomous Territories and Mr, Sulieman Abu Dayyah, Head
of the Palestine Desk. Both representatives gave a briefing about
their institution and their relationship with AMAN. From the EU, the
workshop was attended by Dr. Izzat Ayyoub.
Ms. Ghada Zughayar, Executive
Director at AMAN, briefed the audience of AMAN’s work in general
pointing out the importance of joint efforts of all sectors in
society in fighting corruption.
Mr. Qais Abdul-Karim (Abu
Leila), who is a member of the PLO Central Council and of
Parliamentarians against Corruption, led the discussion on political
parties at the Jenin workshop on August 30, 2008 after addressing
the issue of fighting corruption in Palestine and the joint effort
that is needed. He also emphasized the importance of pluralism when
we speak about democracy and right of assembly in the Palestinian
society.
Mr. Mo’een Al-Barghouthi,
lawyer and human rights activist, presented the policy paper on
political parties and NGOs emphasizing citizens’ right to the
establishment of and membership in political parties and NGOs as
stipulated in the Palestinian basic law. He indicated that the
principles and basis for laws for NGOS, political parties and unions
are illustrated in the booklet handed out; and we are here to listen
to viewpoints on the subject. In unison with the purpose of the
workshop, he posed the question of whether or not we need to draft a
law for political parties and unions at the present time. Similarly,
Mr. Abd-Alrahman Al-Assoli led the workshops in Gaza referring to
the Palestinian Basic Law as he generated discussions on the
principles stated in the policy paper.
The section on unions was
covered by Mr. Mahmoud Ziadeh, an expert on union issues and a human
rights activist. Mr. Ziadeh was also one of the people who
participated in drafting the original legal framework policy paper
on unions, used in the workshops.
Several recommendations were
recorded regarding the present NGO law and that of the suggested
legal framework principles for political parties and trade unions; a
detailed report summarizing the recommendations will be posted on
line, when completed, as part of the final report on the workshops.
The need for of laws to regulate the work of CSO, and protect the
right of assembly in Palestine was one recommendation participants
of all the workshops agreed upon.
It is worthy to note that the
workshops were conducted in coordination with several NGOs in the WB
&G: Al-Mustaqbal in Nablus; Saidat Al-Khalil in Hebron; Shua’a in
Tulkarem; Omnia Ahsababi in Jenin; Palestine Red Crescent in Gaza.
Representatives from the hosting NGOs opened each workshop by
welcoming the participants and giving a briefing about their
institution.
