Other Groups

From 1991 to 1993 Ashrawi served as the official spokesperson for the Palestinian Delegation for the Middle East Peace Process in Madrid. During these negotiations and discussions she maintained a strong and articulate argument, urging the understanding of the life of Palestinians and their situation during the Israeli occupation. This role was one of the most important for spreading her name and reputation worldwide.

Following the signing of the Oslo Declaration of Principles by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat she founded and was a key member of the Preparatory Committee of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens' Rights until 1995. This organization ensured that the legislative decisions and the effects of the decisions of the PLO respected human rights.

Since 1996 she has been an elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council of Jerusalem. The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) was founded in that same year according to agreements made under the Oslo peace summit. The speaker of this organization would take over in the event of Yasser Arafat’s death. A central law-making body for Palestinian regions, the Palestinian Legislative council has the power to govern several domestic areas, but has no power over interaction with Israel or security issues.

 

In 1988, during the first Intifada, Ashrawi served on the Intifada Political Committee/ Palestinian Diplomatic Committee. Hanan Ashrawi served as the Minister of Higher Education and Research for the Palestinian National Authority from 1996 to 1998.