LLANDOGO resident Ann Davison is headed to Palestine later this month – to work as a United Nations Ecumenical Accompanier (EA), or human rights monitor.

Her work will involve the monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses carried out by the occupying Israeli army, and Israeli settlers, against the Palestinian population.

The 59 year old mother of three also hopes that her 'obvious presence' will offer people protection as they go about heir daily lives. She explained: "I can't wave a magic wand but Palestinians have warmly welcomed EAs and have said that they make them feel safer."

Other likely tasks will involve accompanying Palestinian children to school past armed soldiers, or abusive settlers, and monitoring the treatment of Palestinians at Israeli checkpoints that they need to pass through to get to work or to access hospitals.

She may also be asked to observe and record the demolition of Palestinian homes by the Israeli government. EAs also offer their support to Israeli peace activists - an aspect of the occupation that receives little publicity.

Ann commented: "I am a Quaker and believe strongly in non violence, and in the equal worth of all human beings. I am not anti-Israel, but I am deeply disturbed by the impact of Israeli government policies on the Palestinian people. "

She added: "2014 is the United Nations Year Of Solidarity with Palestinian People."

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel was started by the World Council of Churches in 2002, and over a hundred volunteers a year spend three months each in Palestine. Ann will be a member of the 51st such group, which are made up of people from all over the world.

While she is away Ann will be writing regular newsletters about her trip, and has also said that she will be supplying the Review with a commentary on her activities in Palestine.

On her return, she will be presenting talks about her experiences to as many different groups as possible, detailing the realities of life on the West Bank, and she also hopes to let people know what they can do to encourage peace in the region.