Conflict Resolution meets representatives of the student bodies to discuss strengthening freedom of opinion and expression in Hebron governorate

Hebron, Publication and Information Unit:

Yesterday the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution met representatives of the student bodies of the Fatah Youth, the Popular Front and the Initiative, with the representatives of the Islamic Bloc sending their apologies, to discuss freedom of opinion and expression inside the Palestinian universities. The meeting was attended by the director of the Centre's branch in Hebron, Saad Shalaldeh, and a representative of the Independent Commission for Human Rights, Bilal Al-Mallah, and was held at the Centre's premises in Hebron.

Shalaldeh pointed to the need to end the division, to do away with difference and to press for greater consensus, even within the walls of the Palestinian universities, adding: "Conflict Resolution has drawn up a code of honour for inside the universities, with the aim of respecting freedom of opinion and expression and accepting others among the student blocs, and we hope it will meet with consensus from all the factions and student bodies."

For his part, the representative of the Independent Commission for Human Rights explained that the Basic Law provides for freedom of opinion and expression on the Palestinian street, despite some clear restrictions in application. He explained that his commission has recorded a number of violations of freedom of opinion and expression inside the Palestinian universities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

For their part, the student bodies taking part in the meeting expressed their astonishment at the campaigns of political arrests carried out against the student bodies, particularly as election campaigns approach, and at their effects on voters' results. They stressed that the signing of the Conflict Resolution Center's code of honour urgently needs the signature of all the factions, the Palestinian universities and the student bodies so that it becomes a reality on the ground.

It is noted that the Conflict Resolution Center works on a number of projects and programmes that strengthen a culture of respect for others and reinforce national unity and community participation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.