Establishment

The Independent Commission for Human Rights is the National Human Rights Institution in Palestine with the function of an Ombudsman.

The Commission was established in 1993 by a Presidential Decree issued by then President Yasser Arafat in his capacity as President of the State of Palestine and chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The decree was subsequently published in the Official Gazette in 1995. The Commission commenced its activities in early 1994.

Role and functions

The Commission contributes towards the protection and promotion of human rights in Palestine in accordance with the International Human Rights Treaties, the Palestinian Independence Declaration and Basic Law, by receiving and handling complaints, monitoring and documenting human rights violations, providing guidance, counselling and capacity development of duty bearers.

It also mediates between official institutions and civil society organizations and promoting the culture of human rights with the purpose of creating a democratic and tolerant society

The ICHR's responsibilities and duties are to:

• Review and comment on proposed and effective legislation relating to human rights
• Propose new legislation or suggest amendments to existing legislation, and to take initiatives in this area if it perceives omissions or whenever necessary.
• Monitor and follow up the activities of official and semi-official public bodies and institutions and all legal persons and those dealing with public law matters
• Receive complaints and grievances after [the exhaustion of] all available means of redress, and investigate and follow up such cases and propose appropriate remedy.
• Publish an annual report of its general activities, in addition to special reports when deemed necessary.
• Improve legal awareness and acquaint citizens of their rights and the means of safeguarding them.

The Commission shall enjoy the status of a legal person by law with the right to resort to the courts where the public interest is involved.

APF membership

The ICHR was admitted as a member of the APF in 2004 (8th Annual Meeting).

FEATURE ARTICLE

ICHR warns of imminent humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip

The Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) has warned of an impending humanitarian crisis as the Israeli government intensifies its airstrikes and prepares for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Read more Read more about ICHR warns of imminent humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip

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