The event opened with a welcoming address delivered by Dr. Nour Addas, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the great importance of establishing such an institute in the current Palestinian context. She highlighted its role in enhancing legal knowledge of international humanitarian law and human rights from a Palestinian perspective. She also commended the efforts exerted in establishing the project, extending her thanks to the project team, represented by Dr. Akram Dawoud and Ms. Bisan Abtli, for their dedicated work in ensuring the success of this initiative.

In turn, Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Khayyat, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the university’s address, welcoming the distinguished guests and praising the efforts of the Faculty of Law and Political Science in launching the institute. He commended this outstanding initiative, which reflects the university’s commitment to its academic and national role in supporting the rule of law and promoting justice.

Mr. James Rizzo, Deputy Head of the European Union Representation in Palestine, also delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation to An-Najah National University, praising the efforts of the project team and affirming the European Union’s pride in this partnership, which resulted in the establishment of an institute of great importance under the current circumstances, given its role in supporting international humanitarian law and human rights.

For his part, Dr. Ahmad Thabaleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting its harmony and complementarity with the Ministry of Justice’s efforts and initiatives in this field. He also praised the university’s role in strengthening institutional legal work in Palestine.

At the conclusion of the speeches, Ms. Bisan Abtli, Coordinator of the Institute Establishment Project, delivered a presentation introducing the institute, addressing the idea behind its establishment, its vision and objectives, as well as the international and local partnerships that the institute has worked to build. She also stressed the importance of the institute as an academic and legal platform that reflects the Palestinian vision in the field of international humanitarian law and human rights, and contributes to linking international legal standards with the Palestinian reality.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the signboard of the Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, in a symbolic moment marking the official launch of the institute as a specialized academic institution. This step reflects An-Najah National University’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and consolidating the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights in the Palestinian context. It also constituted a practical announcement of the institute’s commencement of work as an academic, research, and training platform aimed at contributing to the development of effective Palestinian legal capacities and enhancing the Palestinian presence in international legal debates.

It is worth noting that the establishment of the Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is supported and funded by the European Union, within the framework of a partnership aimed at promoting justice, building legal capacities, and supporting Palestinian academic institutions.