GAZA, March 1, 2010 (WAFA)- The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights proudly announces the launch of a three year project beginning of this year in the occupied Palestinian territory, entitled 'Improving Awareness and Respect for Human Rights' .

The project is funded by the European Union and Oxfam Novib. It aims to empower local and international actors to challenge violations of the freedoms of movement, expression, information, assembly and association in the OPT by improving access to information about violations, providing legal aid, training as well as by lobbying local and international targets.

The programme, which has a budget of Euro 964,680 (approximately NIS 5,151,650 NIS), aims to achieve the following results:

- Availability of reliable data and reports on human rights violations;

- Increased local awareness on human rights for 950 professionals and activists and 6000 community members in the Gaza Strip;

- Access to and provision of legal aid for 9000 victims of human rights violations;

- International pressure on the reinforcement of Human Rights and PNA governments changing practices.

These goals will be achieved by monitoring, documenting and reporting Israeli and Palestinian human rights violations in the OPT; training and awareness raising for professionals, young activists and the local community; legal counseling and representation; as well as lobbying and advocacy on the PNA and international levels.

The programme activities were kicked off in January with a series of 12 lectures on the Rights of the Child under international and local law, targeting four areas in the Gaza Strip.