On the Path to Justice and Rights Protection: Participatory Workshop by the Palestinian Maintenance Fund in Bethlehem Governorate
As part of a series of workshops conducted by the Palestinian Maintenance Fund across the West Bank, particularly in remote and rural areas, and with the support of the Sawasiya III Program, the Fund organized a participatory workshop in Bethlehem Governorate in collaboration with the local government. The workshop aimed to enhance the Fund’s presence and improve access for women and the most vulnerable groups to legal and social services related to maintenance cases.
The workshop witnessed wide participation from relevant government bodies, including Sharia courts, the Judicial Police, the Family and Juvenile Protection Department of the Palestinian Police, the Customs Authority, the Military Liaison Office, the Ministry of Social Development, as well as Bethlehem Municipality, several local municipalities, and relevant governorate departments. A number of civil society, women’s, and human rights organizations also participated, reinforcing the principle of partnership between official institutions and civil society.
During the opening session, His Excellency the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammed Abu Aliya, praised the role of the Palestinian Maintenance Fund in promoting family justice and protecting maintenance-entitled groups. He affirmed the governorate’s readiness to facilitate the Fund’s work and provide all necessary means to ensure that women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities can access their legal rights without obstacles. He emphasized that “cooperation with the Fund constitutes a fundamental pillar in strengthening the social protection system in the governorate.”
In her speech, Ms. Fatima Al-Mouqat, General Director of the Palestinian Maintenance Fund, stated that the Fund’s presence in Bethlehem responds to the urgent and real needs faced by women in personal status cases. She highlighted that the workshop aimed to “unify efforts and strengthen bridges of trust and cooperation between the Fund and partner institutions, ensuring that all entitled individuals receive their legal rights promptly and with dignity.” She added that the Fund works on developing joint referral mechanisms and facilitating procedures to protect women and the most vulnerable groups, stressing the essential role of official and local institutions in supporting this national effort.
The workshop discussions focused on the legal and practical challenges women face when claiming maintenance, reviewing the services provided by the Fund, including advocacy, referral, and legal follow-up. Participants also explored ways to develop a shared referral model among institutions operating in the governorate to ensure swift access to services and protection of the most vulnerable groups.
The participants concluded on the importance of establishing a permanent communication channel between the Fund and government and local bodies, supporting coordinated efforts at the governorate level, and identifying new collaboration pathways to facilitate the prompt delivery of entitled rights.
The Palestinian Maintenance Fund affirmed that holding this workshop in Bethlehem represents a new step toward building a more equitable and inclusive protection network, reflecting the Fund’s commitment to promoting the rule of law and ensuring fair and sustainable access to justice for the most vulnerable groups.
