Dr. Abdel Hamid Afana, head of Education and Research Department of GCMHP, was elected on November 6th, 2005 as a President of the Executive Council of the IRCT in Denmark. This election came with a consensus of the Council members in the annual meeting of the Executive Council on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the IRCT.

In this meeting, the Executive Committee elected the five members of the council including, the President, Vice-President, 3 members, and two other independent experts.

On this occasion, a celebration was conducted under the patronage of the Princess of Denmark in Helsingor Citadel in the city of Kronerg, where Shakespeare wrote his Hamlet novel.

This celebration was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions in Denmark, including Ms. Mai El-Sarraf, Head of Palestine Delegation to Denmark, who expressed her deep joy and proud that a Palestinian being elected for this key international position.

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme is honored to announce that this election comes as crowning for Gaza Community mental Health Programme's efforts to combat torture and other human rights violations. We believe that the election of Dr. Afana, who has been intensively involved in research, advocacy work, and capacity building activities for professionals in mental health and law enforcement agencies, will be a significant contribution to IRCT and GCMHP work in advocating for rights of torture survivors and combating torture worldwide.

Dr. Eyad El-Sarraj, Director General of GCMHP declared that electing Dr. Afana in this key international position is an indication of gratitude for the Programme's history in defending human rights and serving the victims of violence and human rights violations in Palestine. Dr. Sarraj also said that he is proud that one of GCMHP staff is becoming in such high ranking position as an advocate and ambassador for GCMHP and the just cause of Palestine.

The President of the IRCT Council is entitled to oversee the implementation of general policies and conducting field visits for member centers as well as to conduct meetings with political and legal bodies and UN agencies to ensure the implementation of international human rights conventions related to torture.

It is worth mentioning that International Rehabilitation Council for torture victims IRCT is an international coalition comprised of 108 accredited rehabilitation centers and programs from around the world. It focuses on many topics related to torture and prevention of human rights violations through networking, advocacy, and rehabilitation of victims of torture all over the world.

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme