As part of its ongoing efforts to promote legal and social awareness regarding family issues, the Legal Clinic at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at An-Najah National University organized a legal and social awareness seminar entitled: "Divorce and Separation – Between Law and Social Recovery," on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The event was held at the Women's Activity Center in Old Askar Refugee Camp, with the participation of a group of women and local community members. The seminar was facilitated by Ms. Alaa Afana, Coordinator of the Legal Clinic, and Mr. Mohammad Al-Bashtawi, one of the clinic’s volunteers.

The seminar shed light on the legal and social challenges facing Palestinian families following separation. It was structured around two complementary dimensions. The legal component addressed the various types of divorce and separation, their causes, and the Sharia procedures required to protect the rights of all parties involved—particularly in relation to alimony, custody, housing, and post-divorce financial claims. Participants were also introduced to the legal channels available for initiating and following up on such claims before the competent Sharia courts.

The social component of the seminar focused on the psychological and social repercussions of divorce, especially on women and children. It emphasized the importance of providing structured psychological and social support during the post-divorce period as a means of preserving family cohesion and ensuring the emotional well-being of children. Practical strategies for positive coping were also presented, aiming to empower women to rebuild their lives with confidence and autonomy, while maintaining healthy familial relationships where possible.

The seminar witnessed remarkable engagement from attendees, who expressed keen interest in the topics discussed and raised practical questions that reflected their need for specialized guidance. Many participants stressed the importance of continuing such sessions, particularly in refugee camps and marginalized communities, as they foster vital public dialogue on sensitive family-related issues and offer support to women navigating complex life transitions.

This seminar is part of a series of community-focused activities implemented by the Legal Clinic under the framework of the “Sustaining the Legal Clinic” project, carried out in partnership with the SAWASYA III Joint Programme and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative aims to empower law students to actively contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).