The Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at An-Najah National University, in cooperation with Al-Haq Organization, held a workshop on "Corporate Responsibility for Violations of International Law", via Zoom on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This workshop was attended by a group of academics, researchers, and students of law and human rights.

The session was led by Mr. Wissam Ahmad, Director of the Al-Haq Applied Center for international law, who presented the legal frameworks available to hold corporations accountable for their actions or indirect involvement in serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. He focused on legal and structural challenges, especially in the context of the free market logic and the unequal power relations between states and transnational corporations. The session also highlighted the limitations of accountability in the absence of binding international mechanisms concerning corporations and discussed the need to move beyond symbolic remedies toward meaningful accountability based on an understanding of the deep connection between economics and colonialism, particularly in the Palestinian context.

The session began with welcoming remarks by Ms. Bisan Abtli, Coordinator of the Project of the Establishment of The Palestinian Institute for IHL and HR, who emphasized the importance of addressing such a topic in light of recent international developments—especially the latest report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese. She noted that such discussions help foster legally conscious generations capable of critically engaging with international law and global events.

This workshop also focused on involving students in experiential learning and extracurricular activities. It was moderated by. Kareem Rasras, a master's student in the International Law and Human Rights Program. The session featured a diverse group of students from various majors and universities and included an engaging discussion on the role of youth, particularly law students, in human rights work and advancing accountability efforts. It also explored the potential for students to contribute to building alternative tools for documentation and advocacy based on a critical understanding of the global economic system and its relation to modern colonialism.

This workshop is part of the broader activities implemented by the Institute under the EU-funded project for the establishment of the Palestinian Institute for IHL and HR. The project aims to develop legal education in Palestinian universities and strengthen students' abilities to analyze and apply international law in their local context.