Amman Center For Human Rights Celebrates International Human Rights Day and Graduation of Youth Leaders
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) celebrated International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 10th, with a public event held at the Greater Amman Municipality’s Hussein Cultural Center in Ras Al-Ain. The event was attended by colleagues from various United Nations agencies in Jordan, the ambassadors of Ireland and South Africa, and a number of prominent figures in the human rights and community sectors. The ceremony also marked the graduation of participants in the 2025 Youth Leadership Program.
The event began with a welcome address by the masters of ceremonies, lawyer Amani Awais and Julia Verwei, the Coordinator of ACHRS’ Interns Unit, who introduced the speakers. Dr. Lubna Bayouq, Professor of Political Science at the University of Jordan and a member of the Center’s Scientific Council, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of ACHRS, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and highlighting the role of the Youth Leadership Program as an investment in the future of young people, empowering them with leadership skills and civic engagement.
In his address, the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, Mr. Himyar Abdulmoghni, emphasized that human rights are not merely theoretical concepts, but rather the foundation for establishing peace and stability and building a society that upholds human dignity for all. He criticized the double standards employed by some western countries regarding human rights.
For her part, the South African Ambassador to Jordan, Her Excellency Ms. Tselani Mokuena, stressed the importance of global commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and commended the value-based partnership between Jordan and South Africa in supporting justice and human rights. She also affirmed her country’s support for the priorities of ACHRS in safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting the participation of women and youth.
The Irish Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms. Marianne Bolger, reiterated her country’s unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the necessity of adhering to international law, while also calling for facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. She commended ACHRS’ role in promoting human rights awareness and empowering youth leaders, and congratulated the 2025 graduates of the Youth Leadership Program.
Mr. Obada Al-Wardat delivered the Founding Committee’s address for the Youth Rights Forum, announcing its launch as a national initiative aimed at empowering Jordanian youth and enhancing their participation in decision-making and sustainable development, based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and equality.
Saja Al-Jarah, a graduate of the Youth Leadership Program, delivered the graduates’ address, expressing the impact of the experience in shaping participants’ awareness and strengthening their commitment to human rights values, participation, and social responsibility.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduates took the Amman Center for Youth Leadership oath, and certificates were awarded to the cohort of participants. ACHRS congratulates the youth leaders again and is looking forward to seeing how they will contribute to society and the world.
We want to thank the speakers, our honored guests, and everyone who has contributed to human rights in Jordan, in the Arab region and in the world again. Together, we will continue to fight for human rights, even in times of adversity.
