culminated in the unanimous election of the ICHR as chair of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) for the next session. The fact that the ICHR, Palestine’s national human rights institution, chairs the ANNHRI marks a significant Palestinian achievement. Additionally, the ICHR actively participated in meetings of the ANNHRI, Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, and Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (the regional body of the Global Alliance Asia-Pacific Area). The ICHR continued to be visible on the international stage, participating in and intervening at the United Nations Human Rights Council and other contractual instruments. In partnership with the ANNHRI, in September 2018, the ICHR organised an International Conference on the Prolonged Israeli Occupation and the Status of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in Amman, Jordan. The ICHR has earned the ‘A’ status, the highest ranking under the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (Paris Principles). The ICHR is a human rights think tank, providing all relevant technical assistance to competent authorities. Most recently, following a successful visit to Iraq, the ICHR went into a mutual agreement with the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights. Accordingly, the ICHR will provide technical assistance to Iraqi human rights officers. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the ICHR, represented by the ICHR Director General and staff. Without their diligent effort, work and follow-up in a highly complex environment, the present report would have not seen light of the day. I would also like to sincerely thank the ICHR Board of Commissioners and Executive Office for their commitment and efforts to strengthen the mission, promote the organisational structure and build internal and external working relationships of the ICHR. My thanks and appreciation go out to all ICHR staff members in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. I would also like to particularly note the contribution and collaboration of line ministries, executive bodies, Office of the Attorney General, High Judicial Council, local government units, universities, and Palestinian Bar Association. Our joint action has played a critical role in moving the human rights message forward. We still have much work ahead of us on the ground under difficult and complex circumstances, which our beloved homeland experiences. Mr. Issam Younes ICHR Commissioner General Executive Summary 2018 7