EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission, Karin Limdal, met with Reem Abu Alroub, the Head of the Official Gazette Bureau (The Diwan) and discussed several topics, including EUPOL COPPS’ support in improving the quality of legislation to strengthen the legal infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority (PA), on 28 November in Ramallah.

The support of EUPOL COPPS in establishing the quality of legislation function within the organisational structure of the Diwan was recognised. The Mission’s support has resulted in accrediting a diploma course in the Istiqlal University in Jericho. Students from 15 of the 24 line ministries within the PA will attend the courses. The enabling of a gender function within the Diwan to mainstream gender throughout legislative drafting was also discussed.

The HoM stated that EUPOL COPPS has and will continue to providing specialised training on different topics, including on the analysis and extraction of legal principles from judicial rulings.  The recently amended Law of Service mas mentioned during the discussions.  The HoM mentioned the importance of adopting the Family Protection Law.

Ms. Abu Alroub said the newly established Gender Unit within the Diwan will significantly contribute to improving the alignment and harmonization of legislation and ensuring gender equality.

The Diwan’s main objective is to contribute to strengthening the legal infrastructure of the PA through examining and reviewing proposed legislation and ensuring that legislation conforms to international standards. It contributes to harmonizing Palestinian legislation with relevant international conventions and human rights principles.