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.