Workshop Studies the Formulation of a National Plan for Human Rights
A formulation workshop took place in Amman on November 10, 2009. Jordanian and international human rights experts participated to help formulate a national work plan for human rights in Jordan. The workshop was organized through a joint effort by the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS), the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), the Arab Organization for Human Rights, and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). The workshop saw the attendance of a delegation from the European Union as well a wide variety of Jordanian non-governmental organizations.
The executive director of the Arab Organization for Human Rights opened the floor by outlining the intent of the workshop. The workshop was held in Jordan because human rights organizations in the country have made a good amount of progress, she explained. Although Jordan has taken some important steps in the right direction, there was much more work to be done on the political, judicial, and human rights level she went on to explain. The director concluded by saying that holding the workshop in Jordan will further assist the efforts of the human rights organizations in the country.
Amina Buayyash, the representative from the International Federation for Human Rights, exclaimed that the actions of the workshop should focus on democratic principles and human rights. Ms. Buayyash exclaimed that each participant must play an important role in the promotion of human rights in the region. The participants, she explained, must organize and promote human rights (based on international agreements) awareness in each of their respective societies.
Ms. Buayyash contends that the formulation of a national plan is the first step in promoting democracy, human rights, and awareness. The FIDH representative made sure to clarify that the national plan was the first and most important item on the agenda for the workshop. Discussions took place regarding the local human rights situation. Participants then offered recommendations based on the analysis of the situation. The recommendations, to be added to the national plan, addressed current federal laws that play a role in affecting freedoms and the human rights situation in general.
Dr. Nizam Assaf, Center Director of ACHRS, suggested that priorities must be set in regards to the human rights situation. He also suggested that a comprehensive strategic framework be put in place to help organize the efforts of individual advocates and organizations concerned with human rights. Dr. Assaf also spoke about the promotion of the relationship between democracy, development, the law, and the governing powers. Dr. Assaf made the decision to create a committee to perform and materialize the recommendations made by the participants into a National Plan for Human Rights. The committee will be at work to finalize the National Plan for Human Rights under the supervision of the organizing NGOs. Further details will be released once the plan is fully finalized.
