ICHR Palestine 2020-2022

Extract from the independent evaluation of implementation of the 2020- 2022 strategic plan, which has been supported through this contribution: "ICHR is a truly impressive national human rights institution, that demonstrates the value of NHRIs, even when working in the most difficult of circumstances. It is one of the few institutions in the state of Palestine that operates nationally, in the West Bank and in the Gaza strip. It is fully independent in its appointment of Commissioners, its internal structure, policies and all its operations and activities. As a result, it is respected and trusted by the people of Palestine and by most government agencies and civil society organisations that it engages with. It both challenges courageously the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza authorities and constructively advises them on human rights standards and their implementation. There is evidence of positive outcomes on some major human rights issues as well as some individual and group cases. The ICHR has effective leadership and committed staff who take pride in their work and in the ICHR. It has robust, credible processes for strategic planning, financial management, internal auditing, monitoring and evaluation and a deserved reputation as incorruptible. It has demonstrated commitment to continuous institutional improvement, development and accountability. It is a good place safe and comfortable for women to work, putting human rights into practice and reflecting the commitment of ICHR to gender equality and prevention of harassment... It now has an excellent, user-friendly Management Information System (MIS) enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in case management and reporting." Key results in the strategy period that have been corroborated by the evaluation include: - holding all relevant duty bearers to account, both in Gaza and West Bank - Excellent, userfriendly Management Information System (MIS) enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in case management and reporting - Comprehensive coverage of places of detention, development of a valuable methodology for inspections of places of detention - Significant and effective strategic litigation cases - Highly credible annual report on the status of human rights - Monitoring national legislation, policies and budget to ensure the protection, promotion and fulfilment of human rights - Active role of ICHR in Palestines National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow Up - Regular engagement with the Treaty Bodies through ICHR shadow/alternative reporting - Creative integration of the SDGs into the work of ICHR - Successful ICHR interventions in serious human rights issues of national importance, including: i) health insurance for persons with disability ii) physicians strike iii) the murder of Nizar Banat iv) teachers strike -Positive contribution to the establishment and operations of civil society coalitions on national human rights issues - Comprehensive preparations for monitoring election processes - Promoting and disseminating a culture of human rights through their web site, a number of reports, training targeted at government officials, outreach programs etc. - ICHR contributes significantly at the international and regional levels through its membership in bodies such as GANHRI, APF and the Arab Network of NHRIs - ICHR makes regular contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council and its related bodies

The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) is the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) with a function of an Ombudsman in Palestine. The ICHR was established in 1993 upon a presidential decree with the mission to monitor the development of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as work with the accountability of authorities, providing capacity support and work with advocacy for human rights. ICHR's strategic plan (2020-2022) includes 5 outcomes:  (1) To promote measures of prevention, protection, accountability and redress;  (2) Promote a national legislative, policy and institutional framework upholding human rights, in conjunction with sustainable development goals (SDGs); (3) Promote and disseminate the culture of human rights;  (4) Improve regional and international cooperation;  (5) Promote ICHR's institutional development and sustainability.