Latest news with #DisabilityRightsLawNo.20
Jordan Times
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Civil society welcomes King's call to implement disability rights law
His Majesty King Abdullah during his participation at the opening of the third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) in Berlin, co-hosted by the governments of Jordan and Germany along with the International Disability Alliance. The King delivered a speech, emphsising the need to work together and take action to ensure that people with disabilities can live their lives with dignity, happiness and hope (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — Civil society initiatives and disability rights campaigns in Jordan on Tuesday commended His Majesty King Abdullah's speech at the Third Global Disability Summit as a pivotal moment for advancing inclusion and accessibility in the Kingdom. Among the most vocal supporters was the Ibni "My Son" campaign, which described the King's address as 'a formal call to action for the immediate implementation of the Disability Rights Law No. 20 of 2017.' In a press statement sent to The Jordan Times, the campaign said the King's remarks, delivered during the international summit held in Germany, reflected 'genuine political will to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in Jordan.' It added that the speech marked a decisive shift from merely having laws in place to ensuring their effective implementation. "The King's speech serves as a direct notification that the time has come to move from legislation to execution," the campaign noted. 'These laws must be translated into actions that meaningfully improve the lives of persons with disabilities and ensure their full and active participation in society.' The impact of the King's words resonated deeply with individuals from the disability community. Hala Mohammad, a university student with a mobility impairment, told The Jordan Times, 'Listening to His Majesty speak about our rights on a global stage gave me a sense of visibility.' The Ibni campaign also stressed that the King's vision underscored a shared national responsibility to guarantee access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection for people with disabilities. Disability rights advocate Maha Hassan said, 'Inclusion is not just a social obligation, it is an economic imperative. Empowering persons with disabilities to enter the workforce will boost productivity and support long-term national growth.' The Global Disability Summit convened world leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Local activists said King Abdullah's participation was both empowering and timely, especially as Jordan moves forward with broader social protection and inclusion reforms.
Jordan Times
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan showcases commitment to disability rights with int'l stakeholders
Director of the Prime Ministry's Human Rights Department Khalil Abdallat on Tuesday speaks during a specialised training session on the future of disability rights in Jordan and internationally (Petra photo) AMMAN — Director of the Prime Ministry's Human Rights Department Khalil Abdallat on Tuesday said that Jordan reaffirmed its leadership in disability rights, underscoring the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Speaking at a specialised training session, Abdallat stressed the pivotal role of His Majesty King Abdullah's vision in positioning Jordan as a global leader in this field, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The event, organised by the Human Rights Department in cooperation with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, brought together national and international stakeholders to discuss the future of disability rights in Jordan and internationally. Among the key participants were UN Resident Representative in Jordan Sheri Ritsema-Anderson and Regional Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mazen Shaqoura. Abdallat also highlighted that under the leadership of King Abdullah's and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, Jordan has made "significant" strides in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, setting an example for the region and beyond. He stressed that the Kingdom has become a model in developing legislative frameworks that align with international standards and promote justice, equality, and inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also noted that this reflects Jordan's commitment to strengthening human rights protection, particularly for people with disabilities, under the leadership of the King and HRH Crown Prince Hussein. The training session was also part of Jordan's preparations for the upcoming international Summit in Berlin, where the Kingdom will showcase its achievements in disability rights and highlight His Majesty's role in advancing these issues on the international stage. Abdallat said the event would underline Jordan's ambitious vision to establish global standards for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. He also pointed to Jordan's commitment to disability rights, noting the impact of the Disability Rights Law No. 20 of 2017. "This landmark law set new regional standards and ensured the dignity and equality of persons with disabilities, marking a significant shift in the region's approach," he added. Abdallat also highlighted the vital role played by Prince Hussein in supporting the integration of youth, including those with disabilities, into the Jordanian society. He also commended HCD President HH Prince Mired for leading efforts to empower and integrate persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. Abdallat highlighted Jordan's engagement with international human rights mechanisms, noting that the Kingdom has received over 1,200 recommendations from various UN bodies, including 756 from the Universal Periodic Review and 382 from treaty bodies. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the rights of persons with disabilities, Abdallat announced that the government is currently drafting a comprehensive national plan to implement these recommendations in partnership with civil society organisations. Anderson praised Jordan's leadership in disability rights, noting that the Kingdom's efforts set a global standard. She reaffirmed the UN's full commitment to supporting Jordan's efforts to ensure accessibility and participation for all persons with disabilities.
