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AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has received an invitation letter from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to attend, as a guest of honour, the G-20 summit, which will be chaired and hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2020.

In a response letter to King Salman, King Abdullah expressed keenness to attend the summit, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G-20 summit reflects its regional and international stature, as well as its efforts to achieve global economic stability and prosperity.

Jordan had previously received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to participate in the preparatory meetings for the G-20 summit.

AMMAN — The maternal mortality rate in Jordan dropped to 29.8 deaths for each 100,000 live births in 2018, as compared to 2015 World Health Organisation (WHO) estimations, which recorded a maternal mortality rate of 58 deaths for each 100,000 live births, Health Minister Saad Jaber said on Monday.

Jaber's remarks came during the launch ceremony of the first national report for maternal mortality for 2018, which was attended by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Razzaz noted at the ceremony that the figures shown in the report are “promising” when it comes to the Kingdom's health sector and services. 

The premier referred to advanced indicators that Jordan has realised in the field of maternal health, where figures of the Health Ministry show that 98 per cent of mothers give birth in hospitals and that there are some 120,000 maternal and childhood centres across the Kingdom. 

He also expressed appreciation for USAID's support in seeking a better health system that meets the public's needs, as well as in instituting comprehensive health insurance.

Jaber, for his part, referred to the establishment of the National System for the Detection and Response to Maternal Deaths through the USAID-funded project for comprehensive healthcare.

The minister noted that the system aims at facilitating the identification of the cause of death of mothers between the ages of 15 to 49, in order to accurately report maternal deaths, and working to prevent similar mortalities.

The system obliges all public, private and university hospitals, as well as forensic medicine centres to report maternal deaths within the given age range within 24 hours, Jaber said.

Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. From 2000 to 2017, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined by 38 per cent — from 342 deaths to 211 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UN inter-agency estimates cited by UNICEF's website.

There has been “significant progress” since 2000. Between 2000 and 2017, South Asia achieved the greatest overall percentage reduction in MMR, with a reduction of 59 per cent (from 395 to 163 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births), UNICEF added. 

AMMAN — On the occasion of International Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) reviewed its 2019 activities in the Kingdom.

The centre's efforts are concentrated on various aspects of human rights, including reviewing laws, regulations, policies and practices, writing reports and following up on cases relating to all segments of society, NCHR Protection Commissioner Nahla Al Momani told The Jordan Times on Monday over the phone.

Momani, who is also the director of the civil and political rights directorate at the centre, said that the NCHR this year reviewed regulations recently presented to the Lower House and worked on legal reviews sent to concerned authorities with the aim of resolving any detected violations.

This year, the NCHR continued its work tracking cases related to civil and political rights through conducing visits to rehabilitation centres and temporary detention centres to monitor violations, Momani said, noting that the law allows the centre to conduct announced as well as unannounced visits.

"The visits are continual and are made either to check in general whether the centres are working in line with international standards or to follow up closely on complaints from inmates about any mistreatment or depravation of rights," the protection commissioner said. 

Another field that centre works in is freedom of speech, as it monitors cases of those detained for published posts or slogans during marches, she said.

"The centre also follows closely the problems of children, especially in regards to child labour and vagrancy," which is prevalent in remote areas and tourism locations, Momani said, adding that the NCHR monitors youth detention centres as well.

In regards to the right to education, the NCHR throughout the year conducted visits to schools in the north, centre and south of the Kingdom, analysing the infrastructure, services, safety and academic staff at these schools, according to Momani.

There is “great focus” on women's rights, which Momani said extends to women working on farms, ensuring they are provided with proper working conditions. 

The monitoring also includes hospitals and elderly care homes, with the centre investigating issues of people with disabilities and even environmental problems. 

International Human Rights Day is celebrated each year on December 10, and this year the United Nations chose the theme "Youth Standing Up for Human Rights".

The UN website states that the theme was chosen because "youth participation is essential to achieve sustainable development for all", and because youth participation “can play a crucial role in positive change”. 

Momani said that each year, the NCHR participates in various human rights activities to mark the occasion, noting that during Tuesday’s event organised by HIMAM, a coalition of 16 civil society institutions, the centre will present its report to shed light on all the aforementioned cases in detail. 

"The centre believes in partnership with the civil society institutions, and the centre always celebrates human rights through its continuous monitoring of violations to resolve them," Momani concluded.

AMMAN —  The United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed visited a number of installations of UNRWA in Amman on Monday, accompanied by UNRWA Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders and Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan Mohammed Adar, according to an UNRWA statement.

The deputy secretary-general received information about the agency’s health programme and services to Palestine refugees during her visit to the Nuzha Health Centre in the north of Amman.  Mohammed also received a briefing about the UNRWA education programme and met with staff and Palestine refugee students at the Nuzha Elementary Girls School, where she also engaged with a group of students representing the school parliament from that area, according to the statement. 

“The role that UNRWA plays in ensuring that the protection and human development of Palestine refugees is a constant priority is remarkable,” she was quoted in the statement as saying. 

“Quality health and education are key to any individual and societal well-being, and that is what I saw today in UNRWA facilities: Motivated staff and inspirational children who underscore that education remains a beacon of hope for Palestinian people,” she added. 

Saunders expressed appreciation for the support that the agency receives from the Executive Office of the UN Secretary General for its mandate towards Palestine refugees. 

“Today’s visit comes at a critical time when UNRWA is confronted with the worst financial crisis in its history. We know that we have an incredibly effective advocate in the deputy secretary-general and we highly value everything that Ms. Mohammed is doing to make sure that UNRWA receives the necessary funding so that our services to Palestine refugees continue uninterrupted,” he was quoted in the statement as saying.

UNRWA is confronted with an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support has been outpaced by the growth in needs, according to the statement. 

As a result, the UNRWA programme budget, which supports the delivery of core essential services, operates with a large shortfall. UNRWA encourages all Member States to work collectively to exert all possible efforts to fully fund the agency’s programme budget. UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large shortfalls, are funded through separate funding portals.

AMMAN — Among the first images to meet the eye is the circle, this perfect shape, symbol of infinity, of never-ending cycles, of life. 

It then unfolds to become thick, textured vertical stripes of paint that boldly aim at unseen heights somewhere in the universe artist Hind Nasser created on her canvases for this latest exhibition at Wadi Finan Art Gallery.

It is, the artist says, a parallel universe, one "where human perception can travel into no time or place", one of "Zero horizon", which is also the name under which the works are exhibited.

In this world of hers, minute, familiar images can be seen alongside massive cosmic explosions, the birthing process of a universe still being created and that has no place yet for horizons.

The abstract works in colours of remarkable beauty are the product of the latest stage in the artistic career of this prolific, versatile and forever progressing painter. They mark, one would say, an introspective phase in which Nasser's images pose questions "about the origins, the beginnings, the infinite, the quintessential, life… and my life".

Some questions might be answered. After all, the circle is the quintessential symbol of life, there is beauty and order in the apparently chaotic universe around, life does progress and we with it.

Others may give food for thought or stay obscured, subject to philosophers', gurus' or enlightened people's rationalisations. 

But that should not bother the viewers who will, to their delight, discover that flowers — irises, poppies, tulips, it is up to one's imagination to identify them — have found their way in Nasser's universe, delicate, familiar, aesthetically pleasing.

The flower, the artist says, is the first thing the Creator made, and as such, it is a prototype of perfection and worthy of being immortalised.

It is, also, a delicate counterbalance to the raw, vaguely familiar, cold and distant universe the tiniest corner of which we inhabit. And she managed to render both in eerily beautiful imagery that keeps one glued to it in hopes of deciphering its meaning.

The artist succinctly summarises the gist of her endeavour. 

"My works might reveal some answers. They may elicit introspection and contemplation. Or they might simply be taken as aesthetic projections of my state of mind. Whatever the case, they are merely one more station on the journey of life, which is in constant change. As are we."

Her artistic life is definitely one in constant change, and that is proof of talent and great imagination. 

To warm one's heart on a cold winter day, one may view Nasser's works, which are on display until December 30. 

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania honoured winners of the 2019 Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education (QRAEE) during the 14th edition of the Teacher Award and the 6th edition of the Principals Award during a ceremony held at the Royal Cultural Palace in Amman on Monday.

In her capacity as chairperson of QRAEE’s board of trustees, Her Majesty presented the winners with trophies and certificates and congratulated them on their achievements.

Addressing the Queen in remarks he delivered at the award ceremony, Education Minister Tayseer Nuaimi said: “His Majesty and Your Majesty have made education your mission and undertaking, in honour of teachers and their indispensable role in shaping the minds of future generations.”

“Excellence and innovation are rooted in the Hashemite mindset, as outlined in His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives in the Seventh Discussion Paper,” he added.

Nuaimi also congratulated the winners for the “well-deserved” Royal honour after meeting the requirements of the award, praising the efforts of the QRAEE in improving the education system and instilling a culture of excellence. 

As part of its strategic plan to improve the quality of human resources in the Kingdom, Nuaimi said the Education Ministry adopted a comprehensive approach in its policies, in cooperation with the QRAEE, which focuses on creativity and innovation for the betterment of academia and education programmes. 

In her opening speech, QRAEE Executive Director Lubna Touqan congratulated the nominees for both awards, noting that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, a detailed plan was launched to enhance the role of distinguished academics and principals at their schools. 

Touqan announced the Education District Supporting Excellence in Education Award, which will target educational institutions, with its first cycle set to begin in 2020.

She highlighted the nominees' efforts in conducting training workshops for new teachers in the sector to transfer their expertise and organise education societies. 

This year, QRAEE announced it had received 3,896 applications, of which 3,582 were for the Distinguished Teacher Award and 314 for the Distinguished Principal Award. QRAEE also noted that there was a 45 per cent increase in applications for the teacher award and a 24 per cent increase in applications for the principal’s award compared with last year.

Out of thousands of applicants, 29 teachers received the Distinguished Teacher Award and 11 principals received the Distinguished Principal Award. All winners were awarded certificates of excellence, while first place winners among both teachers and principals received trophies as well. Another 30 teachers and seven principals, who qualified as finalists but did not win, were handed certificates of appreciation.

For the Principal Award, 87 per cent of applicants this year were women, while 45 per cent of application came from the central region of the Kingdom, 32 per cent from the north and 23 per cent from the south, according to event organisers. 

As for the Teacher Award, 82 per cent of applicants were women, while 46 per cent of applications came from the central region, 36 per cent from the north and 18 per cent from the south.

Launched in 2005 by Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania in partnership with the Ministry of Education, QRAEE aims to set a national standard of excellence in teaching and to celebrate and honour educators who work tirelessly to meet it.

Sponsored by Zain Jordan, this year’s ceremony was attended by award finalists and their families, previous award winners, QRAEE board members and public and private sector partners, education ministry staff, media personalities, educators from various educational districts, members of the award judging panel and presidents of universities.

All winning teachers and school principals who earned first, second or third place in their respective categories received monetary awards and certificates. 

School principals were granted JD5,000 for first place, JD4,000 for second place and JD3,000 for third place, while teachers were awarded JD4,000 for first place, JD3,000 for second place and JD2,000 for third place. 

Finalists who did not win still received rewards of up to JD500.

Winners also received non-monetary awards from the Ministry of Education, including higher rankings and a chance to improve their academic standing by competing for different scholarship opportunities.

AMMAN — The Senate on Monday passed the amended Agriculture Law as referred by the Lower House, refusing the exchange of barren forest lands with privately owned forest lands.

During the session chaired by Senate President Faisal Fayez, the senators also endorsed the 2019 amendments to the law governing the service of Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) personnel who are not commissioned officers.

The amended law regulates a number of job-related issues including secondment, changes in some job titles, leaves of absence related to academic study and unpaid vacations, in addition to modifying allowances paid to civilian employees of the JAF, among others, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

AMMAN —   President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (APU) Atef Tarawneh on Monday condemned last month's Israeli violations, which resulted in the death of 44 Palestinians and some 500 injuries. Inhumane Israeli practices, including land grabs, forced displacement, genocide, home demolitions, assassinations and collective punishment, are war crimes and breach international legitimacy and international humanitarian law, Tarawneh added in an APU statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The APU warned against activating US proposals related to the legitimisation of Israeli settlements, which have prompted Israel to activate the draft bill to annex illegal settlements and the West Bank’s Jordan Valley region, imposing Israeli sovereignty there. Expressing its full support to the Palestinian people, the union called on the UN Security Council to protect Palestinians and enforce international legitimacy resolutions that proclaim the Israeli settlements illegal.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Monday visited the fire-hit Musab Bin Omeir Secondary School for Boys in Ramtha. The fire, which was started by an electric fault on Sunday, caused shortness of breath to dozens of students and a teacher.

Lauding the responsiveness of the school’s teachers, Civil Defence Department (CDD) personnel and Ramtha residents who were swift in extinguishing the fire and evacuating the students, the premier conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's greetings.

Touring the school, Razzaz directed a team to immediately carry out the necessary maintenance in order to allow classes to resume as soon as possible, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Students of the school will resume their classes at Al Miqdad School in Ramtha during a night shift until repair works are complete.

AMMAN — Oxfam and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on Monday launched a country-wide report on recycling and solid waste management, with the aim of setting the scene for the upcoming sustainable solid waste management (SWM) system in the Kingdom.

The launch event was attended by Greater Amman Municipality officials, government representatives, donor agencies and international and non-governmental organisations.

The “Country-wide Recycling in Jordan” report, carried out by IPSOS Group, a global market research and a consulting firm, surveyed a sample of 1,000 Jordanians from across the Kingdom usnig quantitative and qualitative methodologies in order to outline and address societal behaviours linked to recycling and SWM in Jordan, Managing Director of IPSOS in Jordan and Iraq Saif Nimry said during the event. 

In particular, the report sought to determine awareness levels around SWM and recycling, decide whether national education levels and socioeconomic status affect recycling and reuse opportunities and understand enablers and motivators for encouraging sustainable recycling.

“Face to face interviews have been conducted in all 12 governorates, which met standards and ensured that the outcome of the report is established on the most senior levels,” Nimry added.

He noted a lack of environmental awareness, as demonstrated by the 40 per cent of Jordanians who do not know where the waste is gathered, and the other 60 per cent of citizens who have only “shallow” knowledge of recycling in the Kingdom.

Additionally, less than 17.7 per cent of people in Jordan recycle on a regular basis, and only around 3.8 per cent recycle on a daily basis, Nimry said, noting that these few citizens do so in order to save money and not for environmental motives.

He highlighted, however that during in-depth analysis of the information and perspectives given by study participants, the researchers realised that 72.4 per cent of Jordanians, based on the sample, are willing to recycle and reuse their belongings. 

The Kingdom’s “fragile economic environment” is one of the main reasons behind the relatively low priority given to ecological awareness in Jordanian households, Nimry said, adding that even with the presence of a cohesive and responsive approach from “very small numbers of citizens”, those making an effort are hindered by trying to keep up with ever-changing socio-economic conditions and covering expenses.

“Recycling is crucial for the whole world, because climate change knows no boundaries; neither does it recognise nation states nor the airspace of a country. Everything we do across the world is affecting us all together, because we all live on the same planet,” Oxfam Country Director Nickie Monga told The Jordan Times at the event.

“Through this event, we want to provide an insight on the latest conclusions of this report commissioned by Oxfam, with the aim of providing a full spectrum of support for the future of recycling and SWM,” Nimry said during the launch event.

The report is just one of the initiatives Oxfam in Jordan is embarking upon as part of the larger “Betak Beitak” campaign, which aims to remind people that their environment is their home, with the aim of increasing levels of environmental literacy across the country and expanding on successful pilot projects that address socioeconomic challenges, Monga said. Oxfam has been working in Jordan since 1990 with the aim of providing essential humanitarian assistance to all people, tackling inequality and standing up to challenges, Monga added. 

Chief among the organisation's initiatives is a "first-of-its-kind website" that helps connect visitors across the country with litter and recycling information as well as nearby local resources, facilities and services.