13 February 2011

17 Palestinian human rights, women, media and youth organizations announced today that they will be joining forces to form a coalition focused on defending freedom of expression in the occupied Palestinian territories, with press freedoms at the top of the agenda.

Initiated by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), participating organizations agreed to form the coalition after holding a number of preliminary meetings in Ramallah and Gaza from the beginning of this year.

All of the involved organizations believe in the importance of a joint effort lead by civil society institutions to develop respect for freedom of expression in the oPt, as guaranteed by article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Palestinian Basic Law.

In harmony with tier role in enhancing democracy and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories to preserve freedom of expression, especially in the continual violation against Palestinian rights and freedom of expression from the Israeli occupation forces and Israeli settlers who committed the most of violations, in addition to the violations committed by several Palestinian parts in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The coalition will defend freedom of expression by implementing several activities to achieve its goals, in cooperation with all parties concerned to advance freedom of expression and low sovereignty. The coalition membership will be open to civil society organizations and active personalities.

Participating institutions in the Freedom of expression coalition