PSCCW and LRC have launched a project called “Wijdan” aimed at strengthening the resilience of Palestinian citizens on their land in the areas categorized as Area C

On Wednesday, June 21, 2022, under the patronage of Governor Jabrin Al-Bakri at the governorate headquarters, the project “Strengthening the role of the Palestinian Civil Society and the services to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law” (WIJDAN),  was launched. It is a partnership between three institutions: the Psychosocial Counseling Center for Women, the Land Research Center, and the Catholic Center for Human Rights.

The project’s main objective is to enhance the resilience of the Palestinian people in defending their legitimate rights on their land, specifically in the “Area C” of Bethlehem and Hebron governorates. It aims to raise awareness among Palestinian citizens about their fundamental rights, given the daily violations they face due to increasing Israeli attacks on citizens and their lands. The project also aims to educate them on how to confront these attacks effectively in order to safeguard their rights and protect their lands from demolition, settlement expansion, and confiscation.

The project will implement various activities, including documenting colonialist infringements against the Arab Palestinian population, particularly related to land and housing ownership. It will establish community protection committees, provide psychological, social, and legal support services, and carry out awareness and advocacy campaigns.

The PSCCW assumes direct responsibility for delivering counseling and psychosocial support services to affected populations. Moreover, it plays an integral role in establishing community protection committees within targeted villages and population centers. These committees will undergo essential training to strengthen their capacities in safeguarding the populace and aiding in the preparation of legal documents required to challenge Israeli policies and actions. Furthermore, they will actively engage in media exposure endeavors to shed light on these issues and advocate for the rights of Palestinian citizens. In addition to these responsibilities, the center collaborates with other partners to effectively execute various other activities.