Latest news with #HigherCouncilfortheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities
Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
MoU signed to economically empower persons with disabilities
HH Prince Mired, Lord Chamberlain and president of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on Sunday signs a memorandum of understanding to economically empower persons with disabilities and enhance their participation in economy and entrepreneurship (Petra photo) AMMAN — HH Prince Mired, Lord Chamberlain and president of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to economically empower persons with disabilities and enhance their participation in economy and entrepreneurship. The prince stressed the importance of building partnerships with the private sector and the non-profit organisations for their supportive role in paving the way for the persons with disabilities to become active in economy and achieving development, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported. Nayef Steitieh, former minister of labour and founder of the Business Development Centre (BDC), pointed out that signing the MoU comes within the vision of the BDC to integrate people with disabilities into the economic system and empower them with the necessary skills through economic programmes for youth and local communities. The memorandum underlined the need to preparing a joint action plan to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the development programmes and the strategies of the centre. The MoU also stressed the need to integrate persons with disabilities into economic empowerment projects in local communities, enhancing their access to employment opportunities, and engaging them in entrepreneurship programmes and related awareness-raising efforts to increase their participation. The memorandum focused on training programmes that would promote a culture of integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities in economic life, such as training the centre's staff on the human rights methodology, appropriate communication methods with persons with disabilities, and the 'Forty Questions Guide' for achieving equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the workplace.
Jordan Times
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Prince Mired meets with EU Delegation
AMMAN — HH Prince Mired, Lord Chamberlain and President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), on Wednesday received a European delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Jordan Christophe Chatzisavas, accompanied by the French and Belgian military attachés, as part of their official visit to the Kingdom. During the meeting, held at the HCD headquarters, Prince Mired reviewed Jordan's 'notable' progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly since the Kingdom's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008, according to an HCD statement. The prince highlighted key achievements and reaffirmed the prioritisation of disability rights within national institutions. He also acknowledged the 'persisting' challenges in realising these rights, stressing HCD's ongoing efforts to address them through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Chatzisavas commended Jordan's leadership in co-hosting the Global Disability Summit in partnership with Germany and the International Disability Alliance, and the efforts to protect persons with disabilities and include them into society. HCD Secretary-General Muhannad Azzeh outlined the legislative advancements achieved in recent years, most notably the enactment of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities No. 20 of 2017. This law stands as the first anti-discrimination legislation of its kind in the region and affirms the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, Azzeh added. In discussing national implementation strategies, Azzeh referred to the 10-year inclusive education strategy, the national plan to improve accessibility in existing buildings and public facilities, and the national strategy to replace institutional care with community-based support services. He noted that Jordan's selection as a co-host of the Global Disability Summit reflects its sustained progress in legislative and policy domains concerning disability inclusion. This recognition, he pointed out, will serve to boost Jordan's international positioning and facilitate the establishment of global partnerships that support national priorities in the area of disability rights. Azzeh also underscored Jordan's leading role in shaping the summit's final outcome document, the 'Amman-Berlin Declaration,' which introduced the '15 for 15' principle, encouraging states parties and international actors to allocate at least 15 per cent of all development cooperation projects to be inclusive of persons with disabilities. He noted that Jordan led globally in the number of commitments made, with 133 commitments from 88 entities, spanning government institutions, national bodies and the private sector. Azzeh stressed that the fulfilment of these commitments requires the mobilisation of resources and implementation within clear timeframes, in close consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
Jordan Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Article by HRH Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein on the Conclusion of the Global Disability Summit
As the Global Disability Summit, co-hosted by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, concludes in Berlin, I would like to express, in my capacity as President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) in Jordan, my deep pride in Jordan's active and meaningful participation in this historic global gathering. The Summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and disability rights advocates from across the world, united by a shared commitment to forging a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all persons with disabilities. It was a great honour to lead the delegation of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as part of the official Jordanian delegation, headed by His Majesty King Abdullah. His Majesty's keynote address was a defining moment of the Summit, an inspiring message that reflected the depth of humanitarian values and the breadth of the Royal vision to advance dignity, empowerment, and inclusion not only within Jordan, but throughout the global community. HCD played an active and impactful role across multiple Summit sessions addressing critical thematic areas. Notably, HCD chaired a high-level session on the rights of persons with disabilities in contexts of war and armed conflict. We also contributed substantively to discussions on political participation, independent living and alternatives to institutionalisation, and inclusive social protection systems. A particular focus was placed on inclusive education, recognised as the cornerstone for building societies in which no one is left behind. Furthermore, the Council highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence in creating assistive technologies that enhance the ability of persons with disabilities to access services and exercise their rights on an equal basis with others. It is a matter of great pride for HCD that Jordan has emerged as one of the leading countries whose ministries, national institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders submitted comprehensive, time-bound, and budgeted commitments. As a result, Jordan was recognised among the top entities worldwide selected for a dedicated plenary session to showcase model commitments, an achievement that reinforces our confidence in translating these pledges into tangible, rights-based practices on the ground. At this juncture, I would like to underscore the deeply positive and far-reaching impact of the Royal Initiative 'Restoring Hope' in Gaza, which featured prominently throughout the Summit. This initiative stood as one of the clearest expressions of humanitarian solidarity—offering hope and critical support to individuals living under the devastating effects of siege and conflict. With the leadership of His Majesty the King, Jordan played a pivotal role in transforming this initiative from a vision into a life-saving reality. From the platform of this Summit, HCD reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with our national legislation and international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will continue to work in close partnership with the Government of Jordan and all relevant ministries and institutions to ensure the implementation of inclusive and rights-based policies that uphold justice, dignity, and equality of opportunity for all. In this spirit, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany, its government and people, for their gracious hosting, excellent organisation, and enduring partnership, all of which made this Summit a resounding success. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to the dedicated staff of HCD. Your unwavering commitment, diligence, and tireless efforts throughout the three-year preparation process and the Summit itself have made me immensely proud, as they have so many others who have witnessed this extraordinary journey. My thanks also go to the Royal Hashemite Court, all governmental and civil institutions, international partners, and every individual who contributed to the success of this transformative occasion. We return to Jordan with renewed vision, steadfast resolve, and a firm belief that meaningful change begins by recognising and investing in the boundless potential of every human being, regardless of the challenges they may face. Peace and blessings be upon you all. Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Page 2
Jordan Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Article by His Royal Highness Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein on the Conclusion of the Global Disability Summit
As the Global Disability Summit, co-hosted by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, concludes in Berlin, I would like to express, in my capacity as President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) in Jordan, my deep pride in Jordan's active and meaningful participation in this historic global gathering. The Summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and disability rights advocates from across the world, united by a shared commitment to forging a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all persons with disabilities. It was a great honour to lead the delegation of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as part of the official Jordanian delegation, headed by His Majesty King Abdullah. His Majesty's keynote address was a defining moment of the Summit, an inspiring message that reflected the depth of humanitarian values and the breadth of the Royal vision to advance dignity, empowerment, and inclusion not only within Jordan, but throughout the global community. HCD played an active and impactful role across multiple Summit sessions addressing critical thematic areas. Notably, HCD chaired a high-level session on the rights of persons with disabilities in contexts of war and armed conflict. We also contributed substantively to discussions on political participation, independent living and alternatives to institutionalisation, and inclusive social protection systems. A particular focus was placed on inclusive education, recognised as the cornerstone for building societies in which no one is left behind. Furthermore, the Council highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence in creating assistive technologies that enhance the ability of persons with disabilities to access services and exercise their rights on an equal basis with others. It is a matter of great pride for HCD that Jordan has emerged as one of the leading countries whose ministries, national institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders submitted comprehensive, time-bound, and budgeted commitments. As a result, Jordan was recognised among the top entities worldwide selected for a dedicated plenary session to showcase model commitments, an achievement that reinforces our confidence in translating these pledges into tangible, rights-based practices on the ground. At this juncture, I would like to underscore the deeply positive and far-reaching impact of the Royal Initiative 'Restoring Hope' in Gaza, which featured prominently throughout the Summit. This initiative stood as one of the clearest expressions of humanitarian solidarity—offering hope and critical support to individuals living under the devastating effects of siege and conflict. With the leadership of His Majesty the King, Jordan played a pivotal role in transforming this initiative from a vision into a life-saving reality. From the platform of this Summit, HCD reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with our national legislation and international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will continue to work in close partnership with the Government of Jordan and all relevant ministries and institutions to ensure the implementation of inclusive and rights-based policies that uphold justice, dignity, and equality of opportunity for all. In this spirit, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany, its government and people, for their gracious hosting, excellent organisation, and enduring partnership, all of which made this Summit a resounding success. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to the dedicated staff of HCD. Your unwavering commitment, diligence, and tireless efforts throughout the three-year preparation process and the Summit itself have made me immensely proud, as they have so many others who have witnessed this extraordinary journey. My thanks also go to the Royal Hashemite Court, all governmental and civil institutions, international partners, and every individual who contributed to the success of this transformative occasion. We return to Jordan with renewed vision, steadfast resolve, and a firm belief that meaningful change begins by recognising and investing in the boundless potential of every human being, regardless of the challenges they may face. Peace and blessings be upon you all. Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Page 2
Arab Times
02-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Integrating disabled people into the job market is a 'noble goal': Kuwait
BERLIN, Germany, April 2: Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, emphasized on Wednesday the importance of integrating people with special needs into the job market. She described this as a challenge that requires practical and effective rules and regulations to achieve the noble goal of inclusion. Speaking at the third Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Berlin, which runs for two days, Dr. Al-Huwailah affirmed that Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the right of people with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others. This convention serves as a key framework for governments in supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Dr. Al-Huwailah commended the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in recognizing the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment. She specifically mentioned Kuwait's "Partners for Their Employment" initiative, which fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors to provide opportunities for people with disabilities. This initiative has successfully facilitated the employment and training of individuals with special needs in specialized fields, showcasing Kuwait's dedication to supporting inclusive employment. During her speech at a symposium titled "Inclusive Employment in the Arab Region: Challenges and Proposed Policies," Dr. Al-Huwailah underscored the importance of policies that support the integration of persons with disabilities into the labor market while tackling the challenges of discrimination. She also praised the efforts of GCC countries, including the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, for their policies that ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace. The Minister expressed hope that the summit would result in concrete recommendations to further develop policies and foster international cooperation. This would help ensure more effective participation of persons with disabilities in the global labor market and promote their economic independence and social integration. The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities noted that the primary aim of the Global Disability Summit in Berlin is to unite global efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into their communities. The summit brings together governments, disability organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to discuss progress and address challenges in the field.
