As part of its ongoing efforts to promote legal and social awareness and to protect the most marginalized groups in Palestinian society, the Legal Clinic at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at An-Najah National University held a legal-social awareness session entitled “Our Children… Their Rights Are a Responsibility.” The session took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Women’s Activity Center in the Old Askar Refugee Camp. It was delivered by Ms. Alaa Afana, Legal Assistant at the Legal Clinic, alongside volunteer Ms. Lama Al-Khatib.

The session addressed two interrelated themes, children’s rights within the family and mechanisms for their protection, and peaceful and legal means of resolving family disputes. It shed light on the legal aspects of children’s rights to alimony, custody, visitation, and hosting. The discussion also covered the legal procedures available for protecting children from violence or neglect, while clarifying the roles of Sharia courts, family reconciliation centers, and relevant legal and social institutions in promoting a legal environment that protects the best interests of the child. This aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by empowering women to access legal protection mechanisms and fostering a legal culture within the family.

Another part of the session was dedicated to strengthening communication and dialogue within the family. It introduced alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, and family reconciliation as peaceful approaches to resolving conflicts without resorting to court escalation. This step is essential in fostering a culture of respect and protecting family unity. The session received strong engagement from participants, who expressed their need for such meetings that integrate legal knowledge with real-life experiences, contributing to the building of legally and socially aware families. This, in turn, promotes SDG 5, Gender Equality, by empowering women in their roles as primary caregivers within the household.

This session is part of a series of community outreach activities implemented by the Legal Clinic under the framework of the Legal Clinic Sustainability Enhancement Project, funded by the Sawasya III Joint Programme, and carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, and UNICEF. The project aims to empower law students to contribute effectively to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality, social justice, and the promotion of the rule of law in Palestine.