Jerash Universal Periodic Review meeting ‘reflection of authority of the people’

AMMAN — Officials and civil society organisations on Friday met as part of a national consultation meeting to discuss Jordan’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on human rights.

Organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in the Jerash Governorate, the meeting witnessed the attendance of government officials, representatives of national institutions, civil society and international organisations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Government Coordinator for Human Rights Basil Tarawneh said that the meeting reflects Jordan’s focus on the civil society, while being a proof of people’s authority in the decision-making process, and a paradigm shift in seeking to enhance the human rights’ system and building the community in cooperation with all parties.

He said that the report, which is scheduled to be discussed before the Human Rights Committee in Geneva this year, requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders to intensify their consultations and partnerships so as to produce a report that mirrors Jordan’s good reputation and achievements in regard to human rights.

Tarawneh stressed the importance of the civil society’s investigative work to reveal both strengths and weaknesses in this regard and to draft effective plans that tackle said weaknesses.

The official cited various existing programmes and specialised forums that cover important aspects related to the vulnerable segments of society including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

He also referred to the national strategy on human rights, which came upon a Royal decree to protect the rights of all Jordanians and the people living on its land, stressing the government’s commitment to all the international recommendations, conventions and charters that Jordan has signed.

Meanwhile, MP Wafaa Bani Mustafa praised the advanced level achieved so far by Jordan, voicing hopes that the meeting will lead to more recommendations that foster human rights in the Kingdom.

She deemed the partnership between the various government and civil society institutions “necessary”, not only to enhance Jordan’s image before the international community, but because “Jordanians deserve a better environment where they can enjoy their rights that are guaranteed by the constitution and the international charters”.

FES Jordan Programme Manager Maha Qashou noted that the non-profit organisation seeks to foster democracy and dialogue by involving all partners and stakeholders, stressing that the attendance of the government coordinator reflects Jordan’s “serious commitment” to the UPR and its efforts to support human rights in the Kingdom.

Deputy Governor of Jerash Bassam Freihat praised the national efforts of the government coordinator’s office for human rights.

The two-day meeting will be followed by several specialised workshops hosting experts and local and international activists on human rights, according to Petra.