The laureates
Description
Originally from Gaza, she first worked as an interpreter for journalists before becoming an English teacher and trainer for foreign and local nonprofit organizations in Gaza. Since 2016, she has served as a senior research associate for Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division. In this role, she documents and analyzes human rights violations committed in the Gaza Strip, particularly those resulting from the territory’s isolation.
« Nous n’avons pas le luxe de pouvoir nous effondrer. »
Interview d’Abier AL MASRI – 19 avril 2024
Can you please introduce yourself?
I am a Palestinian human rights advocate and research assistant for the NGO Human Rights Watch. I work on human rights violations in Gaza committed by Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
Can you describe your work as a human rights advocate?
As a human rights advocate, I document and analyze the violations that have been committed. We closely monitor developments in the political and human rights situation in Gaza and conduct research on these issues. We then publish detailed reports on these violations.
I conduct this research to give a voice to those who are not heard. It allows me to describe the reality of life in Gaza—the daily suffering and struggle—as well as the needs of the population.
Why did you decide to advocate for human rights?
I have lived my entire life in Gaza with limited resources and opportunities.
Our suffering did not begin with Israel’s response to the events of October 7. For more than 16 years, Israeli authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on the movement of people and goods, turning Gaza into an open-air prison. Faced with this reality, I committed myself to investigating these abuses and giving voice to the people of Gaza. They inspired me to stand up for their rights, and I consider it an honor to do so.
How did the Marianne Initiative help you bring your project to life?
While I was in France in 2022 to participate in the program, I was able to build an extensive network that included French NGOs, government representatives, and university professors. In particular, I had the opportunity to share my experiences with international organizations through speeches and presentations of my research findings. I also raised awareness among various audiences about the human rights situation in Gaza, which was very fruitful and productive.
On a personal level, as someone who has experienced discriminatory restrictions on movement both inside and outside Gaza, it was a unique experience to taste freedom by being able to travel around the world without any constraints.
In addition, I connected with the other 2022 Marianne Initiative fellows, whose life stories were similar to mine, which was very inspiring.
Which activities were most helpful to you during the program?
During the Marianne Initiative, I had the opportunity to build many connections with French NGOs, university professors, and government representatives. These encounters were the most helpful to me, as I am still in touch with these organizations and we exchange ideas about our work and research on the Gaza Strip.
What did you do after the program ended?
At the end of the program, in December 2022, I returned to Gaza. I stayed in touch with several graduates from the first cohort and got to know the new graduates through virtual meetings as part of the mentoring program. In September 2023, I managed to obtain a permit—which is nearly impossible to get from the Israeli authorities—allowing me to leave Gaza to attend professional meetings. I was supposed to return on October 11, but that never happened. My family has been evacuated from one area to another, and I know there are no shelters or safe places. All of this—especially during the first months of the hostilities—has significantly limited my activities due to the psychological impact. Nevertheless, my work remains a source of hope for changing our harsh reality. I continue to work and advocate for the interests of my people.
I am in regular contact with the organizations I met through the Marianne Initiative, which check in to ensure my safety—something I greatly appreciate. I am currently in Jordan, where I continue my work remotely, as I do not have a permanent residence.
I now hope to return to Europe to continue my work and establish new partnerships with organizations and institutions, in order to draw the international community’s attention to the current humanitarian crisis and famine caused by the recent hostilities and Israeli restrictions since 2007.
Would you like to add anything else?
I hope to visit France again to meet the 2024 cohort of the Marianne Initiative and collaborate with them. The network of Initiative alumni is like a family: even though we have different experiences and perspectives, we learn from one another.
