Profile of the Independent Commission for Human Rights As the Palestinian national human rights institution, the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) is a full member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). On 30 September 1993, the ICHR was established in accordance with a Presidential Decree promulgated by the late President Yasser Arafat. The Decree was subsequently published under number 59/1995 in the Palestinian Official Gazette in 1995. According to the Presidential Decree, ICHR functions and responsibilities are outlined as follows: “To monitor and ensure that requirements for safeguarding human rights are fulfilled by various Palestinian laws, bylaws and regulations, as well as by functions of various departments, agencies and institutions of the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.” The Presidential Decree tasks the ICHR with drafting its own bylaws in a manner that ensures the Commission��s independence and effectiveness. The ICHR commenced its activities in early 1994. Having been approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in 1997, the Palestinian Basic Law was promulgated and published in the Palestinian Official Gazette in 2002. Article 31 of the Basic Law provides that “[a]n independent Commission for Human Rights shall be established by law, which shall specify its formation, duties and jurisdiction. The Commission shall submit its reports to the President of the National Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council.” Despite the fact that the law has not yet been approved or passed, the ICHR clearly operates on the basis of the 1994 Presidential Decree until such time the ICHR Law is endorsed. In its capacity as the national human rights institution and ombudsman office, the ICHR monitors and ensures that requirements for safeguarding human rights are fulfilled by Palestinian laws, bylaws, and regulations, as well as by functions of Palestinian departments, agencies and institutions. The ICHR scope of work extends to address human rights violations, handle complaints of human rights abuses committed against citizens by the Executive branch of government, promote legal literacy, and monitor national legislation and policies, ensuring consistence with international human rights standards. Contact person: Khadija Zahran, Head of the ICHR Monitoring of National Legislation and Policy Department, kzahran@ichr.ps For more information on the situation of the rights contained in the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), see https://ichr.ps/en/1. 4