Syria gets its first human rights training centre

Dubai: A human rights training centre, the first of its kind in Syria, opened in Damascus yesterday. The centre is managed by the Brussels-based Institute for International Assistance and Solidarity (IFIAS) and financed by a European annual grant of EU 90,000 (Dh395,045).

Walter Vermander, Financial Manager of IFIAS told Gulf News the Syrian government was informed through the European Union's office in Syria of the intention to open the Civil Society Training Centre. "I see no reasons for any complications...with the authorities in the future," he said.

Diala Al Haj Aref, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, said the Syrian government has no objections against rights institutions that have "no political agendas".

Illegal entities

Five small human rights societies operate illegally in Syria and had some of their leaders arrested in the past or had their public activities banned. But they are still functioning.

"Our centre is not aimed against the government or its political institutions. It deals with educating people, especially those who have leading roles in society, such as journalists and women activists, to know more about human rights and educate others about them," Vermander said. The centre will conduct training courses for members of women's societies, journalists and members of local non-governmental organisations in the country.

He said IFIAS has appointed Anwar Al Buni as the General Manager of the centre. "Al Buni is a well-known human rights activist. He is familiar with the needs of people and we expect him to succeed."

He said the centre will conduct a monthly 1-2 week courses depending on the subject and participants. "Three out of the nine courses scheduled for this year will be designated for women participants from Syria....The centre encourages women to familiarise themselves with human rights issues and to become activities in the field."

He said the training and management of projects will be delivered to local staff and trainees in accordance with EU standards.

Al Buni told Gulf News he was ready to take on the job, praising the EU for its support of human rights issues.