Annual Report - Palestinian Center for Human Rights

Activities of PCHR's Units
This section details the activities undertaken by each unit in 2005. Each unit prepared
its own report, which was reviewed by PCHR's Program Committee and Board of
Directors.
Legal Aid Unit
The unit worked on all activities included in its annual plan for 2005 and made efforts
to complete all of these activities. The unit also intensified its efforts, in cooperation
with a number of international legal organizations, to prosecute Israeli war criminals
before the international judiciary. Although this activity was not included in the 2005
annual plan, PCHR decided to proceed with it, as Israeli legal mechanisms had been
exhausted and it was clear that impunity was still being granted to Israeli war
criminals under the Israeli legal system.
Activities as set out in 2005 Annual Plan:
1) Legal aid for victims of Israeli violations of international human rights and
humanitarian law.
2) Legal aid for victims of violations of human rights and misuse of authority by the
Palestinian Authority.
3) Legal documentation of violations of human rights and international humanitarian
law.
4) Contribution to international advocacy projects.
5) Raising awareness of legal rights.
1) Legal Aid for Victims of Israeli Violations of International Human Rights
Law and International Humanitarian Law
Verifiable Indicators
1.1) Representing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and providing legal aid and
consultation to their families.
1.2) Providing legal consultations to victims.
1.3) Submitting legal complaints on behalf of victims to concerned bodies.
1.4) Representing victims before the Israeli judiciary.
1.5) Investigating war crimes and human rights violations.
1.1) Representing Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails and Providing Legal Aid
and Consultation to Their Families
In 2005, the unit continued to provide legal aid to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Services provided included:
• Determination of location of detention;
• Visits by lawyers, particularly during interrogation;
• Representation of prisoners before Israeli military courts;
• Assisting families to get permission to attend court hearings; and
• Monitoring and taking appropriate action with regard to prisoners’ health and
conditions of detention.
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