The training course included the following: an introduction to Shari'a jurisdiction, Shari'a procedural law, the Personal Status Law, family law, inheritance law, legal instruments and documentation.  A book containing the laws was distributed to all the participants in the course, as lawyers had previously pointed out that such materials were lacking in local libraries.

A team of specialized trainers supervised the training sessions.  The team included Mr Samir Hassaniya and Ms Hanan Matter, both lawyers in the Women’s Unit, and Mr Sa'id Abu al-Jabeen, a judge in the Sharia' Supreme Court.

Mr Bassam al-Aqr’a, Director of the Training Unit, emphasized that PCHR's interest is in increasing efficiency and improving the capabilities and knowledge of lawyers who wish to obtain a license to practice before the Sharia' courts.  Mr al-Aqr’a explained that this course is part of a 3-year project, funded by the European Union and Oxfam Novib, entitled ‘Improving Awareness and Respect for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian Territory’.  At the conclusion of the training course, he thanked the participants for their active and fruitful participation.

The Director of the Women’s Unit, Ms Mona Shawa, invited the participants to continue to visit PCHR and benefit from the Centre’s experience and expertise.  She wished the participants the best of luck in passing the bar exam, which will take place shortly, and obtaining the necessary license to practice before the Sharia' courts.

Mr Samir Hassaniya, a lawyer in the Women’s Unit, outlined the goals of the training course, which was designed to assist lawyers in preparing for the bar exam. He emphasized the lawyers’ important role in representing women from the Gaza Strip and helping them to realize their rights.

Judge Sa’id Abu al-Jabeen acknowledged the leading role of PCHR in increasing the efficiency and improving the capabilities of lawyers working in the Shari’a courts.  He emphasized PCHR’s significant contribution in standing up for justice.

According to feedback received from the participants, they valued PCHR’s efforts to enhance respect for human rights in Palestinian society.  Ghada al-Ghoul, one of the participants, praised the dedication of the trainers and the use of diverse interactive training methods.  She added that active participation and discussion during the training sessions had enriched the course.  All participants received certificates at the conclusion of the course.

Last week’s training course was the third of its kind completed by PCHR this year.  PCHR previously organized the second training course, in which 23 lawyers participated, and the first such training course, which took place earlier this year.