On Monday 24/5/2010, the Internal Security of the Deposed Government in the Gaza Strip prohibited the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) from holding a workshop that was scheduled to take place in Gaza City, in cooperation with the National Campaign For Defense of Public Freedoms and Liberties.

At about 10:00 AM, several members of the internal security arrived at the venue of the planned workshop and informed the receptionist of the ban against holding the workshop without indicating the reasons for the decision.

ICHR strongly condemns the Internal Security’s decision since ICHR is an institution dedicated to the defense and protection of human rights. ICHR also believes that the security agencies violate the provisions of the Amended Palestinian Basic Law of 2003 by insisting on the prior obtainment of licenses for the purpose of holding private meetings, a measure that has not been specified by the law. This decision violates the right to freedom of association and holding public and private meetings within the limits of the law. This decision clearly violates international covenants of human rights which guarantee the right to peaceful assembly. 

In light of the above, ICHR calls upon the Deposed Government in the Gaza Strip to:

1. Ensure that the right to private and public assembly is respected without the interference of the security forces in the exercise of these public rights and freedoms.
2. Revoke all restrictions imposed on the right to peaceful assembly, in accordance with the Palestinian laws and international covenants.
3. Ensure that ICHR is respected and permitted to carry out its activities related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Palestine