Annual Report - Palestinian Center for Human Rights

Visiting International Delegations and Figures
PCHR pays special attention to activities related to receiving international delegations
and figures, as part of its efforts to provide the international community with a
comprehensive overview and explanation of violations of human rights perpetrated by
IOF in the OPT. PCHR organizes visits for these delegations and figures throughout
the Gaza Strip, giving them the opportunity to meet victims of human rights
violations. These delegations and people include politicians, diplomats,
representatives of the United Nations bodies and human rights organizations and
journalists.
In 2005, PCHR received many visitors. During some of these visits, PCHR escorted
delegations on field visits to areas of the Gaza Strip most affected by the policies and
practices of IOF. Since 2003, Israeli authorities have imposed unprecedented
restrictions on access for internationals to the Gaza Strip.
Director of the ICRC
On 12 January 2005, PCHR received the Director of the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, Juan Coderaue. He met with the Director of PCHR,
Raji Sourani, who discussed with him the human rights situation in the OPT and
cooperation and coordination between PCHR and the ICRC.
Observers from the EU Election Observation Mission
On 26 January 2005, PCHR received four observers from the EU Observation
Mission for the Palestinian presidential election. The visitors met with the Director of
PCHR, Raji Sourani, who discussed with them the presidential election, PCHR's notes
and preparations for monitoring of local council elections.
Swedish Consul for Political Affairs
On 27 January 2005, PCHR received Ann Mawe, the Swedish Consul for Political
Affairs, accompanied by Sofia Zitouni, from the Swedish Consulate. The two
diplomats met with the Director of PCHR, Raji Sourani, who briefed them on the
human rights situation in the OPT.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the Situation of
Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
On 13 February 2005, PCHR received the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on
Human Rights on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories, John Dugard at its offices in Gaza City. Dugard met with the Director of
PCHR, Raji Sourani, who briefed him on Israeli violations of human rights and their
impacts on the lives of Palestinian Civilians
Representative of Switzerland to the PNA
On 15 February 2005, PCHR received a Swiss delegation that included the Swiss
Representative to the PNA, Jean-Jacques Joris, and two staff members from the
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