On Tuesday, 26 June 2012, Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), met with a high profile delegation from Irish Aid.  The delegation was headed by Ms. Dympna Hayes, Head of Mission, Representative Office of Ireland to the Palestinian Authority (PA), and was comprised of: Ms. Fionnuala Callnan, Deputy, Representative Office of Ireland to the PA; Ms. Stephanie O’Brien, Incoming Deputy, Representative Office of Ireland to the PA; Ms. Fionnuala Gilsenan, Director, Civil Society Section, Irish Aid; Mr. Kevin Kelly, Director, Emergency and Recovery Section, Irish Aid; and Mr. David Bruck, Deputy Director, Emergency and Recovery Section, Irish Aid. 

This meeting was held due to the longstanding cooperation and coordination between PCHR and the Irish Foreign Ministry.  The Representative Office of Ireland is a major PCHR’s partner.  In addition, Ireland supports the Palestinian cause, has a balanced position at the European level and does not compromise human rights standards or principles.  This position is consistent with Palestinian human rights organizations, in particular PCHR.  PCHR also has a distinguished relationship with the Irish President.      

This meeting discussed the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.  Mr. Sourani briefed the members of the delegation on developments regarding the ongoing closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, stressing that the closure is being institutionalized.  He pointed out that no major improvements have been made regarding the closure, in spite of Israel’s claims that they are “easing” the closure.  The Israel occupation authorities have continued to impose a ban on Gazan exports, and on the importation of raw materials and constructions materials that are necessary for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Mr. Sourani drew the attention of the members of the delegation to the measures taken by Israel over the past 5 years with the purpose of institutionalizing the closure, highlighting the impact of the closure on the lives of the civilian population and at the economic, social, humanitarian and health levels, which were demonstrated recently in the crises of fuel and electricity in Gaza. 

This meeting also addressed the internal situation and prospects of Palestinian national reconciliation.  Mr. Sourani stated that Palestinians hope there will be a progress made to end the Palestinian split, form a national unity government, restore the dignity of Palestinian institutions and create an appropriate environment for free and fair elections.

On Wednesday, 27 June 2012, Mr. Sourani received in PCHR’s head office in Gaza City a delegation from Amnesty International, comprised of:  Ms. Deborah Hines, Researcher, Middle East and North Africa Program; and Mr. Saleh Hijazi, Campaigns Officer, Middle East and North Africa Program.