Annual Report - Palestinian Center for Human Rights

1.5) Investigating Violations of Human Rights
The unit also investigated a number of human rights violations in cooperation with
other PCHR units. In 2005, the unit conducted preliminary investigations into dozens
of human rights violations perpetrated by IOF against Palestinian civilians.
2) Legal Aid and Consultation for Victims of Violations of Human Rights by the
Palestinian Authority
Verifiable Indicators
2.1) Representation of victims before Palestinian courts.
2.2) Provision of legal consultations to victims.
2.3) Submission of complaints and appeals for investigations into human rights
violations.
2.1) Representation of Victims before Palestinian Courts
In 2005, the unit pursued 19 cases before Palestinian courts, including 4 from 2004,
following the exhaustion of all available legal means with concerned bodies:
• 3 cases of compensation before the Gaza Court of First Instance concerning the
deaths of 3 prisoners in Gaza Central Prison.
• Two petitions to the High Court of Justice concerning the illegal detention of
Palestinians.
• 14 petitions concerning the misuse of authority.
The Constitutional Court
On 14 November 2005, the unit submitted a challenge to the Constitutional Court
against the Judicial Authority Law, which was ratified by the President of the PNA on
10 November 2005, as it violates the Amended Basic Law, which serves as the
constitution.
Means of Verification
o The unit pursued 16 cases before the Palestinian High Court of Justice.
o The unit pursued 3 cases before the Gaza Court of First Instance.
o The unit achieved a number of judicial precedents, such as the ruling by the
Constitutional Court that amendments to the Judicial Authority Law were
unconstitutional.
o The financial rights of an employee were obtained.
o Decisions on these cases were as shown in the table below.
88