.
the current Arab revolutions
Dr. Khalidi discussed the current Arab revolutions, which represent a new era of the Arab political life, and constituted new possibilities Arabs have not witnessed for a very long time. Led to the overthrown of the dictatorial regimes in Arab countries.
However, and as Dr. Khalidi emphasized, the most difficult phase is yet to come, with demands of freedom, dignity, social justice, economical prosperity, rule of law, accountability and democracy.
the topic of electricity in the Palestinian territories
Abu Alkhair addressed the topic of electricity as a necessity and a priority to achieve development and peace in the Palestinian territories.
He presented a brief background on the current situation of the Palestinian energy sector, illustrating the problems this sector encounter, such the high cost of the energy units, the insufficient use of the renewable energy, and the Israeli control over the traditional supplies of energy.
the issue of statelessness of Palestinians
Dr. Shiblak, discussed the issue of statelessness of Palestinians. As a matter of fact, as he said, the Palestinians considered the largest stateless people in the world. Mentioning the impact of statelessness on their life, since nationality is the key to life inside or outside one’s country, which allows “citizens” to enjoy the services countries deliver.
the refugees issue as a negotiation topic within a rational political solution
Dr. Khalidi talked about the refugees issue as a negotiation topic within a rational political solution. In his view, the appeal for the right of return that happens now, is a legal appeal for the resolution number 194, and not an appeal for the natural and moral right. Therefore, in case of applying this resolution, refugees should return to live peacefully with their Israeli neighbors, and to abide by Israeli law and sovereignty.
Migration to Europe: between economics and politics
The title of the lecture is: “Migration to Europe: between economics and politics” Dr. Fargues began his lecture by defining migration as the crossing of a border, based on two criteria: migrants must be citizens of a "legal" nationality, and the country he/she seeks to migrate from is the country of birth. He likewise referred to the 1951 Geneva Convention defining a refugee as a person who fled the country of his nationality due to fear of persecution for political, racial or religious reasons; Dr.
The Independent Commission for Human rights (ICHR) and its role in developing the prevailed viewpoint on human rights
Dr. Seniora presented detailed information about The Independent Commission for Human rights (ICHR) and its role in developing the prevailed viewpoint on human rights as one of the most important components in the Palestinian struggle. She showed that enhancing human rights and general freedom can’t be accomplished through international organizations, as much as being the product of national mechanisms which should be exerted before resorting to the international level.
the duties of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in the occupied Palestinian territories
Dr. Takahashi presented the duties of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in the occupied Palestinian territories, which had been established after Oslo agreement. He pointed out that the main duties of the office are to assist the Palestinian Authority set regulations concurrent with the human rights, and to assist NGOs in preparing their reports and advocating about violations of human rights in the Palestinian territories.
The European Union: Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
During his lecture, Dr. Abu Khalaf discussed what the common foreign and security policy is, its objectives and operations. And in the second part of the lecture he opened the floor for discussion with students regarding the 2009 annual report from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament on the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP.