New Generation of Human Rights Defenders

Forging professional support for human rights

Leaders will implement this project that aims to develop the capacity of 250 law students and trainee lawyers in identifying, monitoring and defending human rights in Palestine. The project intends to sow the seeds of human rights culture in qualified and passionate Palestinian professionals dedicated to investing their knowledge and skills in support of human rights and civil liberties.

The project will work with 200 law students from four Palestinian universities (Birzeit, Najah, AlQuds and AAUJ) and 50 new lawyers training to join the Palestinian Bar Association in order to develop their understanding of issues related to human rights, the legal and constitutional framework in the Palestinian territories relevant to human rights, and expand their skills in research, lobbying and advocacy. It will engage these lawyers in practical application of these skills and knowledge through research competitions and the implementation of awareness activities.

This 12 month project was launched on April 1st, 2011 with funding from the Australian government aid program.