The Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territories program offers comprehensive insights into the human rights situation in Palestine, focusing particularly on the rights of women and children and the efforts of human rights NGOs in Hebron.
For decades, Palestine has been a region beset by conflict and human rights violations. The enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led to numerous human rights abuses on both sides, with Palestinians enduring significant violence and oppression.
This program aims to enhance your understanding of human rights conditions in Palestine, highlighting numerous violations and providing firsthand experience on the ground. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Palestinian judicial system, learning about its workings and court procedures.
Participating in the Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territories program allows you to raise awareness about human rights, especially those of children, women, and refugees. It also fosters a deeper democratic understanding and awareness of social, economic, cultural, political, and citizenship rights, particularly for marginalized groups, as guaranteed by international laws.
The Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territories program raises awareness about the importance of implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This internship is tailored for college and university students, as well as anyone interested in understanding the state of women’s and children’s rights in Palestine.
The Aim of the Human rights in Occupied Palestinian Territories program
The Palestinian Center envisions a civic society that is conscious of its rights and responsibilities. We believe that human rights education is essential for achieving growth and success in all areas, fostering an environment where human dignity is respected, justice and equity are guaranteed, and discrimination based on race, faith, gender, or opinion is eliminated.
Our goal is to educate all groups within the local community about human rights, to spread and enhance awareness of these rights among marginalized groups, and to incorporate human rights standards and principles into civil and political life.
The Legal Situation in Palestine
In comparison to the rest of the world, the legal situation in Palestine is both complex and rare.
- This is because of the multiple parties that have ruled Palestine throughout its history. Palestine’s complicated history has affected its current political and legal structure.
- In 1948, the division of Palestine led to the emergence of different legal systems in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and the occupied parts of Palestine.
- There are applicable laws that go back to the era of the British mandate, the Jordanian administration, the Egyptian administration, and also the Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank.
- In Palestine, some of the applicable laws issued in 1930 still exist in Palestinian courts. All of this has contributed to the current state of the legal system in Palestine that we see today.
Where does the Program take place?
It takes place in the heart of Palestine, in the city of Hebron. Hebron, Al-Khalil in Arabic, is located in the southern part of the West Bank. It is 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. The population of Hebron is about 300,000 persons who reside in the city, and about another 500,000 who live in the surrounding villages.
How long can I participate in the program?
Our participants can choose to participate in the program for a period of one week to 12 weeks/three months. Whatever length of time you choose, we will support you so that you have a great and unique experience at our center and in this wonderful city of Hebron.
The Human Rights & Law Internship Program in the West Bank Aspects
This program focuses on two main aspects: Theoretical-Practical & Linguistic-Educational :
Theoretical & Practical
- This program includes field trips to meet with human rights activists, organizations, lawyers, and trainee lawyers working in courts in Hebron city as well as get to know the existing mechanisms of protecting human rights in Palestine.
- These field trips will address topics such as violations by the Israeli occupation forces of human rights and humanitarian law, detention, torture, other cruel and inhuman treatment, women’s rights, gender equality in Palestine, Palestinian violations of human rights, and more.
- Participants will visit courts, law firms, and legal organizations to aid in understanding the role of law in an occupied country such as Palestine.
Linguistic & Educational
- Participants study Arabic as a part of immersion. The center will provide you with weekly Arabic language classes and the opportunity to practice the language with native speakers.
- In addition, the program will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the social, educational, and cultural activities organized by the center that is aimed at targeting the Palestinian community in Hebron including teaching individual or group English classes. These activities especially target children & youth with an aim to develop their skills in various educational and social fields.
The Benefits of the Human Rights & Law Internship Program in the West Bank
- You will meet human rights activists, organizations, lawyers, and trainee lawyers working in courts in Hebron city as well as get to know the existing mechanisms of protecting human rights in Palestine.
- You will meet with the Palestinian people who live in areas within the city of Hebron that are under Israeli control named “H1,” who is a particularly strong example of those suffering from the occupation violations, and being routinely harassed by Israeli settlers.
- A participant will have the opportunity to organize workshops on a topic related to the program; or present workshops that teach a variety of skills, such as academic writing, writing biography, drawing, first aid, theater, music, and other skills.
- The participant will engage in the Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Participants will be visiting city historical sites.
- Day Trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem and some areas of political importance.
- All participants will receive 3 hours of Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation is provided for the length of the program, either residing with a Palestinian host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available with extra fees.
- A Palestinian breakfast is provided every day and enjoyed with other international volunteers and staff.
The Human Rights & Law Internship in the West Bank FEES
350$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
965$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1200$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2270$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
3150$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
What does the Participation Fee include?
| Accommodation | Host family or at our 8th-floor apartment Private accommodation is available with extra fees |
| Feild Visits/Meetings | To visit Law/Human Rights organizations & meet Human rights activists/lawyers or field researchers. |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours each. |
| Meals | Daily Palestinian breakfast at the center |
| Day Trips | To Refugees camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance |
| Sightseeings in Hebron | Historical & politically important sites in Hebron and Hebron factories. |
| Certificate of Participation | Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program |
What does your weekly schedule look like?
We at GO Palestine are keen to make your weekly schedule diversified, rich, and organized. Thus, it will contain a number of educational, social, and fun activities that will make your experience in Palestine special and unique.
Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
The day at our center starts with a special Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning and ends at approximately 10:15. Our breakfast contains a number of ingredients, including Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This may include field visits, meetings with different institutions related to the chosen program, or teaching conversational English to a number of Palestinian students. This differs depending on the program you are joining.
Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm
At two o’clock in the afternoon begins the lunch break, which lasts for an entire hour. You can buy lunch from a restaurant next to the center. There are a number of restaurants nearby, which provide meals such as shawarma, falafel, and fried chicken as well as traditional Palestinian meals such as Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf or Lamp Mansaf, and other meals. There are also a number of supermarkets/malls nearby where you can buy what you need and cook yourself in the center.
Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)
Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes for an hour and a half each. These classes are taught by one of our skilled/qualified teachers. Arabic language classes are held at different times, either in the morning or, in most cases, in the afternoon. The student can choose whether to study Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.
Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron
Once every week, a day trip is organized to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as to areas of political importance whenever the opportunity arises. These trips will give you the opportunity to learn about the conditions of the Palestinian refugees, talk to them and learn their stories. These trips depart at 10:45 am from the center and end approx. at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.
Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron
Once every two weeks, local visits are organized to the historical and economic landmarks of the city of Hebron. This includes a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street as well as visiting a number of factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.
Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Once every two or three weeks, all our volunteers, interns, and Arabic language’ students join together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian dish. This includes preparing appetizers, frying vegetables, cooking rice, chopping chicken or meat, and stuffing some vegetables depending on the dish to be cooked that day.
Free Time starts at 16:00 or at 16:30
After your time in the center is over, you have free time where you can hang out with other international participants and/or locals you met during your stay in Hebron by going to a café or coffee shop or going to a park and enjoying your time in the evening. There are many cafes and parks not far from the center, as the center is located on one of the most lively streets in the city.
What is the Application Process?
- First, send us an email asking for the application form.
- We send you the application, and you fill out the application and send it back to us.
- We will invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
- We will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
- We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and the Contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
- You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
- We will send you an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
Information Regarding the Law & Human Rights in Palestine Program
| Place of Program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting From 325$ – American Dollar |
| Age | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration of the Human Rights in Palestine Program | One Week |
| Maximum Duration of the Human Rights in Palestine Program | Three Month – 12 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays & Thursdays or Saturdays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
How to pay the fees? (Payment Options)
- You may pay your participation fees either by Bank Transfer or by Western Union or MoneyGram. Payment via Western Union and MoneyGram, you can do the transfer online using your credit card.
- Payment of fees and signing of the participation contract must be made to reserve your place in the program.
- In participation fees that exceed $800, the applicant can pay 40% in advance and the rest of the 60% must be paid 45 days before the date of participation.
- Unfortunately, the participation fees can’t be paid in cash, as we arrange your participation ahead of time.
Who can apply to the Law & Human Rights in Palestine Program?
- The Palestinian Center has hosted people who have come from a myriad of countries, such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many more.
- The center welcomes all people who are 18 to 75 years old to apply to the Human Rights in Palestine Program. Academic or professional degrees are not required to join the program.
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Yes, participants can add additional Arabic language instruction hours. Each extra hour costs $20.00. Please mention this in your application.
Our Achievements
- Experience in organizing international volunteer & internship programs for more than 12 years.
- Hosting international participants from more than 42 countries around the world.
- Cooperation & partnerships with more than 30 local community organizations in Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Our teachers & staff participated in various of international trainings and workshops in Europe and Middle East, including Spain, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Cyprus, Jordan, Turkey and India.
- GO Palestine is the representative of the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition in Hebron.
- Partnerships with international organizations, including Go Abroad, Go Overseas, Idealist, Hey Success, Volunteer Match, and others.
Can I combine this program with another program?
Yes, this program can be combined with one or more of the other programs the center offers. This means that you choose for example (one week or more regarding this program & one week or more regarding another one). Don’t worry, you only fill out one application.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ a Week |
| Weekend in Palestine | On Friday |
| Food in Palestine | The West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils. |
| Wifi Access in Palestine | At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere |
| 3G Service in Palestine | Available since Jan 2018 |
| The official language in Palestine | Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects) |
| Currency in Palestine | Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land. |
| Transportations in Palestine | Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans |
| Weather in Palestine | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Nearest Major Airports to Palestine | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan |
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, participants are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, participants must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of the current program.
When can I apply to the Law & Human Rights in Palestine Program?
Applicants have the flexibility to decide when to join a program. We are very flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates. Applicants also choose their length of participation, which is a minimum of one week up to three months/12 weeks.
Who are our volunteer & internship programs suitable for?
We at Go Palestine seek to provide internship and volunteer programs in Palestine, West Bank that suit everyone & achieve their expectations/goals of visiting and staying in Palestine. Our volunteer and internship programs in Palestine are suitable for everyone between the ages of 18- 75-year-old, which makes it available to:
- Students of universities, colleges and institutions of higher education.
- Graduates and postgraduates students.
- Academic researchers & field Researchers.
- Students who are working on writing their Master’s or PhD dissertations on topics related to Palestine or Middle East.
- Students are searching for internship or volunteer places in Palestine required by their university or college. University Credit is available.
- Gap year students who are looking to do a volunteer or an internship in Palestine.
- Students of Arabic literature, Arab studies, and cultural studies related to Arab and Middle Eastern culture.
- Students of Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies, or studies related to the Middle East region or relevant studies.
- Anyone who is an eager to learn about different aspects of life in Palestine.
Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?
Participants are not obligated to know Arabic. The center will provide you with 3 hours of Arabic lessons each week with one of our teachers. The participant can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
How to apply or ask for additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type Law & Human Rights in Palestine Program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!
