Latest news with #ThirdGlobalDisabilitySummit
Jordan Times
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Cabinet endorses 2025 amendments to Penal Code, says they enforce rule of law, enhance human rights
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday chairs a Cabinet session, where amendments to Penal Code were approved (Photo courtesy of Prime Ministry) AMMAN — The Cabinet on Sunday approved the 2025 amendment to the Penal Code, saying they are line with the government's policy statement committing to a wider use of alternative sentencing. The proposed amendments will allow courts to replace prison sentences with community service and rehabilitation programmes both before and after court ruling, giving judges greater discretion and reducing prison overcrowding, according to a Prime Ministry's statement. Judges will also be empowered to collect fines under the Public Funds Collection Law and may allow payment in installments or deferral. The amendments support a shift towards restorative justice, which requires reconciliation between parties and financial compensation as a condition for sentence substitution, the statement said. Other measures include the elimination of the 100-hour cap on community service, home confinement orders, geographic restrictions, electronic monitoring, and new safeguards such as travel bans and financial obligations by offenders to avoid contact with certain individuals or institutions. The Cabinet also approved the validating reasons for amendments to the law on the Independent Election Commission in line with recent constitutional reforms, in particular Article 67, which expands the role of the commission to include the registration and supervision of political parties. The draft amendment is also in line with the Political Parties Law of 2022. In a move that reaffirms the Kingdom's commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities, the Cabinet approved the bylaw of the National Academy for Inclusive Education for 2025. The move came following His Majesty King Abdullah's participation in the Third Global Disability Summit, according to the statement. The Academy will develop institutional frameworks, implement quality standards and provide training for education professionals. It aims to institutionalise inclusive education, promote equal opportunities and support the integration of students with disabilities into mainstream education. The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to proceed with the dissolution of the Wadi Araba Development Company and to transfer its functions and employees back to the Jordan Valley Authority. The move is part of a broader public sector modernization effort aimed at eliminating duplication of roles, improving operational efficiency, and consolidating administrative oversight. The Cabinet also approved the 2025 Public Sector Organisational Structures Regulation, which redefines administrative levels and governance models in government ministries, mandates role reviews, and introduces strategic risk management plans. In support of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, the Cabinet approved amendments to ensure fair salary assessments for employees of the Jerusalem Awqaf Authority. These include Royal "steadfastness bonuses" and targeted salary increases for the Holy city's Sharia judiciary employees, with improved promotion conditions for qualified employees, the statement said. The Cabinet ratified the final technical annexes for the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project - known as the National Carrier. This massive infrastructure initiative, which will provide 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, is the third largest water project in the region and a linchpin in Jordan's long-term water security strategy. To support the integration of renewable energy, the Cabinet approved a new tender process to establish battery-based electricity storage systems for the national grid managed by the National Electric Power Company. The initiative is part of Jordan's energy diversification and sustainability agenda. To stimulate the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved subsidies for participants in the "Urdunah Jannah" program until December 13, 2025. Jordanian citizens will be exempt from entrance fees to archaeological sites, and persons with disabilities will have their travel expenses fully covered. The program, which attracted more than 311,000 participants in 2024, provides guided, affordable travel experiences throughout Jordan. Finally, the Cabinet approved a cooperation agreement between the Public Security Directorate and the United Nations to improve facilities and services at the King Hussein Bridge. The plan includes maintenance work, infrastructure upgrades, modern surveillance equipment, and staff training, supporting broader efforts to modernize cross-border logistics and passenger services.
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.
Roya News
02-04-2025
- Business
- Roya News
King Abdullah II arrives in Berlin for Global Disability Summit
King Abdullah II arrived in the German capital, Berlin, to attend the Third Global Disability Summit, where he was welcomed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. During his visit, His Majesty will hold official talks with German officials to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. He will also undertake an official visit to Bulgaria on Wednesday, where discussions will focus on shared issues, including economic and trade cooperation, as well as regional and international matters.
Jordan News
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
King Participates in the Third Global Disability Summit in Germany - Jordan News
His Majesty King Abdullah II is participating today, Wednesday, in the Third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025), organized jointly by the Jordanian and German governments, along with the International Disability Alliance. The summit will last for two days. اضافة اعلان In Berlin, His Majesty will hold a series of meetings with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a number of German parliamentarians, and representatives from key think tanks and economic and commercial institutions. Additionally, in Sofia, His Majesty will hold talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and co-chair a new round of the "Aqaba Meetings" initiative, with the presence of heads of state, delegations, and representatives from partner organizations. King Abdullah II left Jordan on Monday for official visits to Germany and Bulgaria, following a short private visit. During His Majesty's absence, Prince Faisal bin Hussein took the constitutional oath as Deputy to the King in the presence of the Cabinet. The Global Disability Summit aims to rally global efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities worldwide, according to the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The summit also serves as a platform to unite various high-level stakeholders, including governments, disability organizations, multilateral agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations, to discuss progress and challenges in this field. According to the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Global Disability Summit started in 2017 and focuses on improving the lives of people with disabilities, particularly in the Global South. The summit brings together global, regional, and national stakeholders who share a vision for the inclusive development of people with disabilities and humanitarian work, bridging the gap between integrating individuals with disabilities and development cooperation.
Jordan News
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
The King to Begin European Tour Including Germany and Bulgaria Next Week - Jordan News
The King to Begin European Tour Including Germany and Bulgaria Next Week In Berlin, His Majesty will participate on April 2 in the Third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025), which is organized jointly by the Jordanian and German governments and the International Disability Alliance. The summit will last for two days. اضافة اعلان His Majesty will also hold a series of meetings in Berlin with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, several members of the German parliament, representatives of major think tanks, and leaders of economic and commercial companies and institutions. In Sofia, His Majesty will hold talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and co-chair a new round of the "Aqaba Meetings" initiative, with the presence of heads of state, delegations, and representatives from partner organizations. -- (Petra)
