NGO #15834
The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution (PCDCR) is a civil non-profit organization established in August 1998 by a group of Palestinian youth committed to promoting democratic principles and modern conflict resolution alternatives. Operating across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, PCDCR works through two main programs: Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance, and Protection and Empowerment for vulnerable groups including women, children, people with disabilities, elderly people, and youth.
The organization focuses on enhancing democratic values, strengthening good governance, activating social accountability, and influencing decision-making processes at both local and national levels. PCDCR's core areas of expertise include advocacy and community mobilization, capacity building, awareness raising, direct services such as psychosocial and legal support, economic empowerment, and research studies.
With over two decades of experience, PCDCR operates through project-based funding and maintains active memberships in various local, national, and international coalitions and networks focused on democracy, human rights, women's protection, and social justice. The organization continues to address the pressing needs of Palestinian society while working toward building a democratic state that respects human rights and promotes social peace.
Founding and Genesis
The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution (PCDCR) was established in August 1998 as a strategic initiative by a cohort of distinguished Palestinian youth activists and professionals who recognized the critical need for indigenous capacity building in democratic governance and conflict resolution methodologies. The organization emerged during a pivotal period in Palestinian political development, responding to the evolving landscape of the Oslo process and the imperative to strengthen civil society institutions capable of supporting democratic transition and state-building efforts.
Operational Context and Environmental Challenges
PCDCR has operated within one of the world's most complex political environments, characterized by protracted occupation, territorial fragmentation, and institutional constraints. The organization's work spans the geographically divided territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, necessitating sophisticated coordination mechanisms and adaptive programming approaches. The institutional framework has been continuously challenged by external factors including Israeli military operations, movement restrictions, economic blockades, and the internal Palestinian political schism that has persisted since 2007.
Institutional Evolution and Strategic Adaptation
Over its 25-year operational history, PCDCR has demonstrated remarkable institutional resilience and strategic adaptability. The organization has successfully navigated multiple crisis periods, including the Second Intifada (2000-2005), the Hamas-Fatah division, successive military operations in Gaza, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Each challenge has prompted strategic recalibration, resulting in refined programming approaches and enhanced organizational capacity.
The institution has evolved from a primarily advocacy-focused entity to a comprehensive service provider offering integrated programming in democracy promotion, human rights protection, and social empowerment. This evolution reflects both organizational maturation and responsive adaptation to changing community needs and donor priorities.
Institutional Positioning and Neutrality
PCDCR has strategically positioned itself as a politically neutral, professionally-driven organization committed to evidence-based programming and inclusive service delivery. This positioning has enabled the organization to maintain operational continuity across different political administrations and to build trust among diverse stakeholder groups, including government institutions, international development partners, and community-based organizations.
Programmatic Sophistication and Impact
The organization's programming portfolio has developed increasing sophistication, incorporating international best practices in democracy assistance, protection programming, and social accountability mechanisms. PCDCR has established itself as a leader in innovative approaches to civic education, social participation, and vulnerable group empowerment, contributing to the broader Palestinian civil society sector's professional development and capacity enhancement.
Partnership Architecture and Network Engagement
PCDCR has cultivated an extensive network of strategic partnerships spanning local, national, regional, and international levels. The organization maintains active memberships in nine specialized coalitions and networks, ranging from child protection working groups to international democracy movements. This network architecture enhances the organization's technical capacity, advocacy reach, and resource mobilization capabilities while contributing to broader sector coordination and knowledge sharing initiatives.
The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution envisions itself as a leading exemplar in facilitating transformative social and political change within Palestinian society. This vision reflects the organization's commitment to pioneering innovative approaches to democratic development and serving as a benchmark for excellence in civil society engagement and institutional effectiveness.
1. Enhancement of Democratic Values and Practices
Objective: To enhance the concepts, values and practices of democracy, social justice and nonviolence.
This objective focuses on promoting democratic culture and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms within Palestinian society, fostering an environment conducive to pluralistic governance and respectful dialogue.
2. Legislative and Policy Development
Objective: To contribute actively to the formulation of laws, legislations, policies and corresponding measures and executive procedures that fulfill and promote human rights.
PCDCR works to influence the development of legal frameworks that protect and advance human rights, ensuring that Palestinian legislation aligns with international standards and best practices.
3. Decision-Making Influence
Objective: To influence decision making process on local and national levels.
The organization seeks to enhance civic participation and ensure that citizen voices, particularly those of marginalized groups, are meaningfully incorporated into governmental decision-making processes.
4. Access to Justice and Rule of Law
Objective: To enhance access to justice and rule of law.
This objective involves strengthening judicial systems, legal institutions, and ensuring that all Palestinians, especially vulnerable populations, can access fair and effective legal remedies.
5. Social Accountability Activation
Objective: To activate social accountability.
PCDCR promotes transparency, participatory governance, and citizen oversight mechanisms to ensure that public institutions remain responsive and accountable to the communities they serve.
6. Vulnerable Group Empowerment
Objective: To empower and support vulnerable groups towards enjoying their basic rights.
This comprehensive objective encompasses protection and empowerment programming for women, children, people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and youth, ensuring their full participation in social, economic, and political life.
7. Institutional Development and Sustainability
Objective: To develop PCDCR capacity and resources for high institutional competence and strong self-sustainability.
This objective focuses on organizational strengthening, including human resource development, financial sustainability, and enhanced operational effectiveness to ensure long-term institutional viability and impact.
Cross-Cutting Themes
These strategic objectives are implemented through an integrated approach that emphasizes:
Human rights-based programming across all interventions
Gender mainstreaming at both organizational and beneficiary levels
Capacity building for both internal staff and external stakeholders
Partnership development with local, national, and international actors
Evidence-based advocacy supported by research and documentation
The objectives collectively aim to contribute to the broader goal of establishing a democratic Palestinian state characterized by respect for human rights, social justice, and effective governance institutions.
1. Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance Program
A) State (Governmental) Level:
Democratic Values Enhancement: Promoting democratic concepts, principles, and practices among high-level officials and community groups
Good Governance Reinforcement: Improving government performance through separation of powers, periodic elections, and rule of law
Capacity Building: Training governmental employees and law enforcement bodies
Social Peace Promotion: Combating hate speech and achieving social reconciliation
B) Local Governance Level:
Civic Education: Creating aware, positive, and active citizens capable of participating in decision-making
Social Accountability: Implementing tools to improve transparency and service quality
Social Participation: Enhancing citizen engagement with local governance units and municipalities
Service Quality Improvement: Building positive relationships between citizens and local authorities
2. Protection and Empowerment Program for Vulnerable Groups
Target Groups:
Women
Children
People with Disabilities (PwDs)
Elderly People
Youth
Program Components:
Protection Track:
Creating safe environments free from discrimination and violations
Raising awareness on rights and violations
Building capacity of caregivers and service providers
Providing legal aid and psychosocial services
Monitoring and documenting violations
Community mobilization
Empowerment Track:
Building capacity for rights advocacy
Economic empowerment through:
Advanced training courses
Vocational training
Small enterprises support
Job placement opportunities
II. Organizational Units and Departments
Central Management Structure:
Board of Directors (7 members)
General Director
Internal Auditor
Core Operational Units:
1. Administrative and Financial Unit
Administrative and Financial Coordinator
Accountant
Administrative Assistance
Office Keepers
2. Fundraising and International Relations Unit
Fundraising and International Relations Coordinator
Fundraising and International Relations Assistant
3. Information Technology and Media Unit
Information Technology and Media Coordinator
Information Technology and Media Assistant
4. Program Management Units
Project Coordinator (South West Bank)
Administrative Assistant
Regional Structure:
West Bank Branch
Branch Director
Administrative and Financial Assistant
Protection and Empowerment Program Coordinator
Democracy and Good Governance Program Coordinator
Project Field Coordinators
Project Staff
Gaza Branch
Branch Director
Administrative and Financial Assistant
Protection and Empowerment Program Coordinator
Democracy and Good Governance Program Coordinator
Project Field Coordinators
Project Staff