News
Ensuring effectiveness and efficiency of justice policies in Palestine
To support the Palestinian Ministry of Justice in enhancing capacities to address challenges on responding to legal, institutional, and technological transformations, requiring the development of a modern strategic and evidence-based approach to public policymaking, EUPOL COPPS organised a workshop in Ramallah on 11 May. The activity, led by an external expert, focused on collectively identifying the needs internally in the Ministry within this field, how policymaking should be organized within the Ministry and to develop a roadmap for implementing the agreed steps with the overall aim was to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of justice policies. The Palestinian Minister of Justice, Sharhabeel Yousef Al Zaeem, and EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Karin Limdal, opened the event. HoM, underlined in her opening remarks the importance of evidence-based policymaking for a well- functioning justice system and as the Palestinian Authority is facing a major crisis, not the least from a financial point of view, this has become even more important. HoM complimented the dedication of the MoJ staff for continuing to carry out their work despite the grim situation and assured the Minister of Justice of the Mission’s continued support.
Palestinian High Judicial Council’s Technical Office exchange on expertise in Jordan
Strengthening capacity and share expertise was at the core of an exchange visit for the Palestinian High Judicial Council (HJC) Technical Office and the Jordanian Judicial Council. The exchange, organised by EUPOL COPPS took place on 4-6 May in Amman, Jordan. Participants discussed key topics including methods for analysing judicial precedents, preparation of specialised legal studies, database automation, and development of annual work plans. The delegation also engaged directly with different departments of the Jordanian Technical Office, gaining insight into legal research, case classification, linguistic review, and administrative processes. The Palestinian delegation met with the Director of the Technical Office, who provided an overview of its mandate and operations, and visited the Court of Appeal’s Technical Office to learn about its working procedures. Discussions with judges and staff highlighted best practices, including the use of standardized procedural manuals to enhance consistency and institutionalization.
Addressing needs of vulnerable groups - EUPOL COPPS organises workshop in Ramallah
To raise awareness about victimisation, unfair treatment that makes someone a victim, EUPOL COPPS organises a workshop for Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) officers on 6–7 May in Ramallah. The sessions focus on vulnerable groups, including children, youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The training, which focuses on different forms of violence, is designed for 18 newly recruited PCP’s Family Protection and Juvenile Department (FJPD), alongside other police officers. Participants discuss several topics including domestic abuse, violence against children and youth, and victimisation of elderly people and persons with disabilities. As expected outcome of the workshop, the attendees can enhance their skills in identifying causes of violence. This includes online victimisation, recognising different types of abuse, as well as risk environments, including the home, the school, the community, and online spaces. In addition, practical skills in detecting signs of victimisation through active listening, and interpreting body language and behaviour, is addressed to enhance the ability to respond to needs and work on prevention.
Workshop in Amman builds communication and leadership skills for Palestinian Justice officials
Enhancing the administrative and leadership capacities of staff in the Palestinian justice sector is an ongoing activity. It strengthens institutional efficiency, improves judicial independence, and builds public trust in the rule of law. To maintain such training approach, EUPOL COPPS organises a three-day workshop for three key institutions of the Palestinian justice sector, namely the High Judicial Council (HJC), the Constitutional Court, and the Palestinian Judicial Institute (PJI) that commenced on 4 May in Amman, Jordan, and runs for three days. This training programme, which was held at the Institute of Public Administration, is designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in supervisory practices, leadership, and workplace management. It combines theoretical input with practical application, with a focus on enhancing communication, performance management, conflict resolution, and leadership for change. During the first two days of the event, the participants have gained insight on improving communication and coordination among judicial personnel, increasing application of structured supervisory and performance management tools, enhancing ability to manage and resolve workplace conflicts, strengthening leadership practices supporting institutional development and adopting coaching approaches within supervisory roles.
EU Talks: Palestinian Women Shaping Justice and Peace
To mark International Women's Day 2026 and on the occasion of Europe Day, the EU Representative Office, in partnership with EUPOL COPPS, hosted a high-level EU Talks Networking Event on 04 May, in Ramallah. The initiative reflects the European Union's enduring commitment to equality, rule of law, and inclusive governance. The events included a TEDx-Style part with the participation of inspirational women from Palestinian justice and security sector institutions who have transformed opportunities into tangible impact, within the framework of the Peace and Security Agenda. The Palestinian Minister for Women Affairs, Muna Al-Khalili and the Palestinian Minister of Justice Sharhabeel Yousef Al Zaeem, participated in the talks. “Ensuring access to justice for all women and girls is not symbolic – it’s a duty, and it defines the work of EUPOL COPPS” said EUPOL COPPS’ Head of Mission (HoM), who participated in a discussion panel on Introducing “Rights. Justice. Action”, with the Head of the Office of the EU Representative (West Bank and Gaza – EUREP), Alexandre Stutzmann, and Dr. Dalal Irikat. Other panels focused on “Rights; Women and Security”, “Justice; From Law to Practice and “Action” Women as Peace actors”. On the occasion, EUPOL COPPS’ HoM underlined the importance of “action”, mentioning concrete EUPOL COPPS’ led initiatives/engagements such as the Female Prosecutors' Network, the Female Lawyers' Network, and the continuous support to the Policewomen's Network. EUPOL COPPS has contributed to strengthening women's leadership across the Palestinian justice chain, alongside reinforced responses to gender-based violence and public outreach on prevention and protection, thereby promoting the notion of women as drivers of change. Discussions such as EU Talks: Palestinian Women Shaping Justice and Peace reflect a clear reality: advancing women's rights requires institutional reform, professional capacity, and strong partnerships with civil society. Yet gaps remain. Structural barriers, and uneven accountability continue to limit progress. EUPOL COPPS’ and the EU’s commitment aims at supporting Palestinian institutions that ensure equal protection, meaningful participation, and justice that works for every woman and girl. Because when justice works for women, it works for everyone. A digital awareness campaign under the UN Women theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls was part of this initiative.
Workshop in Ramallah sheds light on female prisoners’ rights
Palestinian female prisoners have the right to be treated with dignity, equality, and respect of their specific needs, as stated in international human rights conventions. This key topic was the main theme of a workshop targeting female Palestinian police/correctional officers working with female inmates, organised by the “Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre for the Victims of Torture”, on April 28 in Ramallah. Representatives from EUPOL COPPS, the Palestinian Civil Police, and several United Nations agencies joined forces to engage in this important discussion and to share experiences. A key point of conversation was how to ensure compliance with international human rights standards in the treatment of female prisoners. Participants also examined the consequences of mistreatment, particularly its impact on mental health. The participants shared practical approaches to stress management and self-care, underscoring the importance of supporting female prisoners beyond basic physical needs.
Cryptocurrencies workshop held in Jericho
Crime linked to cryptocurrencies is on the rise world-wide and digital assets are increasingly used in criminal activity. For investigators, understanding how cryptocurrencies work is becoming essential for identifying and investigating modern crime. Responding to a request from the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) on the need to enhance skills in dealing with cryptocurrencies investigations, identified as a priority, EUPOL COPPS delivered a series of weekly sessions on cryptocurrencies at the Jericho District Headquarters. The first module of the specialised training on “Basics of Cryptocurrencies” was completed on 14 April and focused on the fundamental concepts of cryptocurrencies and their functioning. For the purpose, a joint, co-creation approach was adopted, bringing together EUPOL COPPS advisers and investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Family Protection and Juvenile Department (FJPD), and the Investigations Department, to collaboratively design and build the training content. EUPOL COPPS remains committed to continuing this initiative, with advanced and practical modules scheduled for the near future. In addition to the investigators with whom we prepared the first module of the crypto training, the Head of the Investigation Unit and the Head of the FJPD Unit were also present. As mentioned, this was the first module in a planned series, with further sessions to follow. EUPOL COPPS advisors will continue the work already next week.
EUPOL COPPS provides protective gear to Palestinian Police in Bethlehem
The Palestinian Civil Police’s (PCP) Environmental Crime Unit in Bethlehem received new protective gear from EUPOL COPPS, which will enable it to fight environmental crimes more safely and effectively. The new gear, delivered on 15th April to Palestinian Civil Police, included safety glasses and protective gloves . These may seem like simple tools, but for investigators who deal with hazardous substances, solid waste, and polluted soil, this delivery is a necessity. The equipment shields officers from cuts, punctures, and chemical exposure while they collect evidence at crime scenes. The Environmental Crime Units, which operate under the Tourism and Antiquities Police Department, are active in all 11 districts of the West Bank. The main goal of these units is to build a strong case against environmental offenders, often in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority’s Environment Quality Authority. Although EUPOL COPPS donated advanced equipment before, they still face problems in documenting environmental crimes. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that environmental protection is not a luxury but a necessity in the West Bank. The Police District Commander appreciated the timely handover of protection equipment, particularly needed in the current challenging situation for Palestine and the whole region.
EUPOL COPPS provides protective gear to Palestinian Police
The Palestinian Civil Police’s (PCP) Environmental Crime Units received new protective gear from EUPOL COPPS, which will enable them to fight environmental crimes more safely and effectively. The new gear, delivered on 7th April to Palestinian Civil Police, included safety glasses and protective gloves. These may seem like simple tools, but for investigators who deal with hazardous substances, solid waste, and polluted soil, this delivery is a necessity. The equipment shields officers from cuts, punctures, and chemical exposure while they collect evidence at crime scenes. The Environmental Crime Units, which operate under the Tourism and Antiquities Police Department, are active in all 11 districts of the West Bank. The main goal of these units is to build a strong case against environmental offenders, often in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority’s Environment Quality Authority. Although EUPOL COPPS donated advanced equipment before, they still face problems in documenting environmental crimes. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that environmental protection is not a luxury but a necessity in the West Bank.
EUPOL COPPS leads workshop to boost Palestinian Police training on Family Protection
To build Family and Juvenile Protection Department’s (FJPD), institutional capacity and to ensure a more survivor-centred and rights-based approach to domestic and gender-based violence, EUPOL COPPS conducted a workshop from 30 to 31 March in Ramallah. The event brought together a working group of seven FJPD members to ensure that the training programme is relevant, applicable, and meets the needs of the department. This workshop aims to strengthen coordination with other Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) departments and other relevant stakeholders in family protection and juvenile justice. The workshop participants engaged in an active and insightful discussion covering a wide range of topics, including understanding victimisation in context, trauma‑informed investigation, suicide risk assessment, reporting and documentation, cybercrime, field response and inter‑agency referral, as well as practical exercises and evaluation. In her opening remarks, Khawlah Fadlallah, the head of FJPD, thanked EUPOL COPPS for facilitating the workshop in these difficult circumstances in the region. She highlighted the importance of investing in training to ensure that police officers can respond to vulnerable groups. The active and positive participation and contributions to the workshop proceedings by FJPD were a testament to the department’s commitment to family protection and juvenile justice. The workshop will continue to ensure that the training curriculum is refined, creating an opportunity for a comprehensive training programme to ensure that the department can provide a more rights-based and survivor-centred response to those who need it most.