Death of Dr. Iyad Al-Sarraj, psychiatrist and renowned human rights defender from Gaza
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 19 December 2013 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, Death of Dr. Iyad Al-Sarraj, psychiatrist and renowned human rights defender from Gaza, 19 December 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52de4d7414.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last Update 19 December 2013
FIDH expresses its deepest sorrow after Dr. Iyad Al-Sarraj, a psychiatrist and renowned human rights defender from Gaza, passed away on December 17, 2013.
The human rights community and the Palestinian people have lost one of their most prominent and brilliant figures whose dedication to defending fundamental rights and freedoms was internationally recognized.
Dr Al-Sarraj was the Director and founder of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program. He was the first psychiatrist in the Gaza strip and established the Mental Health Program in 1990 with the objective to support victims of torture and other human rights violations. He also served as the chairman of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens' Rights. Dr. Al-Sarraj has provided immense support to the Palestinian civil society and has been repeatedly described as a pioneer of mental health in Palestine.
He received the Martin Ennals Award for human rights defenders and the Olof Palme Prize in 2010.
FIDH wishes to express its full support and sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
