EUPOL COPPS supports a Human Right training for Palestinian judges and prosecutors
Ramallah, January 28th 2015 – From 26-29 January 2015, EUPOL COPPS facilitated a training programme on "the Application of Human Rights Law in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Palestine". The training was delivered by senior UK Human Rights Barristers from the Slynn Foundation and funded by the UK Government. It was delivered in two separate sessions to Palestinian Judges and then to members of the Public Prosecution.
The focus of the training was on key human rights norms which both judges and prosecutors should adhere to in their functions, such as the right to life, fair trial, the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, freedom of speech and assembly, rights of the child, and the prohibition of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or political conviction.
In addition to the training, a human rights manual was delivered to the Palestinian Judicial Institute after approval by the Palestinian Academic Committee. The manual should act as a reference tool and will be made available to all members of the judiciary and public prosecution.
The training was delivered at the Palestinian Judicial Institute and forms part of EUPOL COPPS's and the Slynn Foundation's joint cooperation aimed at enhancing the operational capacities of the Palestinian Judiciary, funded by the UK FCO Arab Partnership Project.
Dr. Alastair McPhail, British Consul General attended the session and stated: “Promoting human rights is central to UK foreign policy, and to our mission in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We hope this work will help provide the Palestinian Judicial system with tools to strengthen the understanding and application of human rights in the OPTs.
For EUPOL COPPS acting Head of Mission, Rodolphe Mauget: “The active participation of all participants, along with the stated support given by both Chief Justice and the Attorney General during the training is a very positive signal by the Palestinian Justice Sector that they confirm their commitment in that ongoing engagement in ensuring that internationally recognized human rights norms should be incorporated into the daily work of justice officials”.
Document Sources: EUPOL COPPS
Subject: Assistance, Governance, Legal issues
Publication Date: 28/01/2015