Dutch embassy supports local projects through human rights fund

AMMAN — A strong government and an empowered civil society, working hand in hand, is “essential” in achieving the economic and social development of Jordan, a top foreign diplomat said.

In an interview with The Jordan Times, Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Barbara Joziasse said that civil society should work with the governement.

“I don’t believe that there is only one civil society but rather that there is a multiplicity of groups that need to be empowered to achieve national development,” the diplomat said, referring to the latest call for applications launched by the embassy’s Human Rights Fund (MRF) to local organisations.

Established in 2005 to support non-profit organisations that defend, protect and promote human rights, the MRF grants a total of 1 million euros to several organisations annually.

“So far, we have supported over 75 projects in the fields of gender equality, climate change, economic rights, Internet freedom, among others,” Joziasse said, noting that this year’s themes focus on freedom of expression and social and economic rights.

“Economic resilience is the key to people’s empowerment. If someone has the means to put food on the table and ensure his/her family has a roof over their head, then society’s stability will be strengthened,” she stressed, highlighting that respect of all rights, including the right to an income and decent living “can only contribute to making the world a better place”.

Projects supported by the fund are selected on a wide range of criteria, including the project’s effectiveness, its predicted effect and the organisation’s experience in the field.

“We also look at international indicators by groups like the Freedom House and CCPR to ensure transparency and abidance to international standards,” the ambassador said, noting that the fund encourages organisations to work in partnerships with governmental institutions.

One of the beneficiaries of the grant, the King Hussein Foundation’s Information and Research Centre (IRCKHF), partnered with the Parliament’s Research Centre in a project aimed at building institutional capacities of the Parliament’s researchers.

IRCKHF’s Director Aida Essaid commended the support received by the fund, noting that the two-year project focused on gender mainstreaming and research dissemination on gender inclusion in policymaking.

“Participants said they really benefited from the joint research project we conducted between the two research centres, as they finally got the chance to concretely apply their expertise and training,” she told The Jordan Times. 

Throughout the projects’ implementation, which can last up to two years, the embassy’s team follows up on the commitment to the initial proposal through reports and regular visits. 

One of the projects currently supported by the fund involves Journalist for Human Rights, which launched a programme to expand public dialogue on human rights in Jordan. So far, the project has enabled a number of young journalists to publish reports related to human rights issues in Jordan and enhance their investigative capacities.

“This year, we decided to focus exclusively on local organisations because we believe that there is a great number of well educated and resourceful Jordanians, who are very keen on improving their country. By supporting them, we will help them regain ownership of the community, instead of flying in international experts,” Joziasse noted.

The call for applications will close on March 1st, with the laureates scheduled to be announced 90 days later.