[psych-hr] From Anwar Wadi Re: IPEDEHP Case Study

[***Moderator's note: Anwar Wadi, from Gaza, has joined our discussion
group since I sent out the April 21 e-mail in which I listed discussion
group members. Anwar, welcome!

I am taking the liberty, below, of reproducing the Anwar's e-mail in its
entirely. He starts with bio data on himself and then provides his
comments on the IPEDEHP case study. The first topic flows very nicely into
the second.

Again, Anwar, we're delighted to have you as a member of the group!***]

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Dear Marcy:

I have received all the e-mails and I have got the summary of the case
study.

INFORMATION ON MYSELF:

I have been working at the Gaza community mental health Programme (NGO) as
a therapist for 8 years. My main activity has been in the field of human
rights and mental health, especially working with traumatized people and
ex-political prisoners. Also I participate in raising awareness about human
rights and mental health such as public meeting, lecturing and community work.

I am a Palestinian who was born in Gaza, I have a B.A in psychology and a
high diploma in social studies from Egypt. I work as a group therapist
with ex- political prisoners. I have taken courses in the field of
mental health with the help of different countries such as medicine sans
frontiers (Holland), Denmark and the USA (Pennsylvania).

As a psychologist who has worked in human rights and mental health, I
have motivation to learn from different experiences.

MY ADDRESS:

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP)
P.O. Box: 1049 Gaza Palestine
E-Mail : rana@gcmhp.net\ pr@gcmhp.net 
WebSite: http://www.gcmhp.net 

MY COMMENTS ON THE IPEDEHP CASE STUDY

I would like to thank Marcy Bernbaum for this group Discussion on human
rights and psychology.

My overall reaction to the IPEDEHP methodology is very good and seems
to me very hard work. The group dynamics and the expression of the
personal experiences are great and give space to achieve a better
understanding of the various forms of social, political repression and
their effects on individual, communities and societies.

The importance of the leadership training on human rights emphasizes the
consideration of social and political dimensions. Also the co-operation
with many involved organization gives wide linkage with personal issues
to be discussed which has a positive feedback for the group to be aware
and raising human rights education. The way to learn how to express
themselves is the beginning of improving the human rights situation. 

All the activities have been done by IPEDEHP, we apply in Gaza. We also
provide courses in mental health and human rights for the police and
other professional such as social worker doctors and nurses.

The community- based approach of IPEDEHP is applicable in my country
especially the Palestinian children as well as adults, have been exposed
to human rights abuses such as humiliation, loss of freedom, detention,
violence and unfortunately the peace process did not improve orechange
much. I would like to say how important it is to build in human rights and
democracy all over the word.

Warm Regards,

Anwar Wadi