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Jordan News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Al-Abdallat: Hashemite Leadership Embodies a National Vision for Youth Empowerment and Human Rights - Jordan News
Dr. Khalil Al-Abdallat, Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry of Jordan, affirmed that the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II, with the direct support of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, forms the cornerstone of national efforts aimed at empowering youth, safeguarding their dignity, and ensuring their rights. اضافة اعلان His remarks came during the 24th Youth and Technology Conference held under the theme "Active Youth Participation and Human Rights", in cooperation with the Jordanian Women's Solidarity Institute (Tadamon) and the Jordanian National Women's Committees Network. The event gathered young Jordanian leaders, government entities, and national institutions to reaffirm Jordan's commitment to integrating youth as key partners in shaping the present and future through a human rights lens. Constitutional and Legislative Reforms Al-Abdallat highlighted tangible government measures to realize this vision, including constitutional amendments, lowering the age of candidacy, and modernizing laws that enhance youth participation in political, social, and economic spheres. Crown Prince's Global Role He emphasized Crown Prince Hussein's pioneering international efforts, notably his leadership in promoting UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. 'The Crown Prince was the first to champion this resolution globally, calling on governments and the international community to recognize youth as peacebuilders, not just victims of conflict,' Al-Abdallat said. Alignment with International Obligations He also noted the government's alignment with international human rights commitments, particularly the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, which call for enhanced youth involvement in public life, climate action, development, and human rights. In a direct message to young people, Al-Abdallat urged them to play a vital role in protecting human rights and upholding the values of good citizenship, asserting that they are the 'backbone of the modern state and the true guardians of justice, equality, and human dignity as envisioned by His Majesty.' Civil Society Collaboration Noha Mehrez, President of Tadamon, underscored the importance of engaging with decision-makers, particularly government units like the Human Rights Unit, given the critical role of civil society in implementing national strategies. In'am Asha, Executive Director and Advisor at Tadamon, said that the ongoing series of Youth and Technology Conferences reflect the organization's commitment to executing national programs and political will through sustained partnerships between civil society and official institutions. Dr. Zohour Gharaibeh, Project Manager of 'Sawt,' highlighted the significance of enhancing women's and youth participation in politics, aligning with the outcomes of Jordan's Political Modernization Committee. Ruba Matarneh, Secretary General of the Jordanian National Women's Committees Network, stressed the value of coordination among civil society organizations. She noted that unified efforts amplify impact and improve policy influence and government accountability, especially concerning youth and women's engagement in public life.
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Mali: UN Experts Say Mali Should Not Hinder Or Suspend The Activities Of Political Parties
GENEVA (8 May 2025) – The adoption of a bill repealing basic protections to political participation by the Council of Ministers on 30 April 2025 and the signature of a decree on 7 May 2025 suspending the activities of political parties until further notice are a direct violation of basic human rights, a group of independent human rights experts* warned today. 'This decree suspending political activities must be immediately repealed. In addition, if passed into law, the 30 April bill will place Mali in contravention of its human rights obligations, notably on freedoms of association and expression,' the experts stressed. The Government of Mali has argued that the repeal of existing laws did not call into question the existence of political parties and that the Government only sought to "stop the proliferation of political parties" in the country. However, the experts pointed out that the proliferation of parties is easier to reduce with legitimate electoral rules, including those that make registration conditional to previous electoral performance. 'Instead, the recently adopted bill will make the registration of a party and candidacies conditional to onerous financial deposits, restricting the right to political participation to sectors with high economic capacity,' they warned. 'The government argues that these are direct proposals from national dialogues: the 2021 'Assises Nationales de la Refondation' and consultations on the review of the Charter of Political Parties held in April 2025. However, no genuine consultation is possible in the current climate of suppression of the civic space, where opponents and independent journalists have reasons to fear that free expression will be punished,' the experts said. Several political parties boycotted the April 2025 consultations because they were reasonably concerned, as the current events demonstrate that the Malian Transitional authorities were using the process as a tool to eventually dissolve political parties or ban their activities. Mali's Council of Ministers also noted other recommendations from the April 2025 consultations, including naming the current head of state, Gen. Assimi Goita as president, without elections, for a renewable period of five years to be counted from 2025. The bill, as well as the favourable reception of such alarming proposals by the Council of Ministers, would betray national and international commitments made by the Malian authorities, the experts said. They recalled that Gen. Assimi Goïta himself, at the Council of Ministers meeting on 27 November 2024, called on the Government to 'create the conditions necessary for the organisation of transparent and peaceful elections which should put an end to the transition.' Mali had also accepted specific recommendations to protect freedoms of association and expression during the Universal Periodic Review of 2023: the current actions would call into question the credibility of Malian authorities. The bill will now be presented to the National Transitional Council, presided by Gen. Malick Diaw, for approval. 'We urge the National Transitional Council to refrain from approving this draft legislation,' the experts said. 'We stand ready to assist the Government to revise the Amendment Bill to ensure compliance with international human rights norms and standards,' they added. Following the adoption of the bill, political parties have called on protests and public activities on 3 and 4 May. However, they have alleged that individuals claiming to support the transitional authorities violently disrupted their gatherings. Further, the political parties have called on new public gatherings on 9 May. 'The right to peacefully assembly is essential to the health of a vibrant political community,' the experts said. 'The Malian Transitional authorities must scrupulously respect it and abstain from acts of intimidation and repression that risk the physical integrity and the rights of demonstrators.'
See - Sada Elbalad
10-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
FM Commends NCW's Role in Empowerment, Rights Advocacy
Nada Mustafa Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Badr Abdelatty, received Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women (NCW). The meeting highlighted the Council's pivotal role in supporting and empowering Egyptian women and enhancing their position as fundamental partners in society. Abdelatty praised the significant achievements of Egyptian women across various sectors, emphasizing that this progress stems from the state's unwavering commitment to women's empowerment. He also commended the NCW's active participation in regional and international forums, particularly during Egypt's Universal Periodic Review session at the UN Human Rights Council, where national efforts on women's advancement were presented. Moreover, FM welcomed Egypt's pioneering experience in promoting women's rights under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The meeting also tackled the implementation of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030 and the National Human Rights Strategy, which includes a key focus on strengthening women's rights. For her part, Ammar reviewed the NCW's ongoing initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the status of women in Egypt, reaffirming the Council's commitment to furthering gender equality and social inclusion. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Cooperation eyed to fight human trafficking, protect the rights of labor
GENEVA, May 10: Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, met on Thursday with (Ms.) Manuela Tomei, Assistant Director- General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue at the International Labour Organization (ILO), discussing ways for enhancing cooperation on common issues. During her side meeting with the UN official, as part of Kuwait's delegation participating in the Universal Periodic Review held in Geneva, Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the strength of the historical ties between Kuwait and the ILO, dating back to Kuwait's accession to the organization in 1961, which was crowned by the opening of a regional office in Kuwait in 1972. The two sides discussed the best approaches and practices for enhancing labor rights and combating human trafficking, including exploring frameworks for cooperation and joint coordination across all areas that benefit the labor market, in alignment with human rights standards, national laws, and international treaties ratified by Kuwait. In this context, Sheikha Jawaher highlighted Kuwait's launch of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (2025-2028), which strengthens measures for prevention, protection, accountability, and the elimination of all forms of labor exploitation. This initiative reflects Kuwait's commitment to supporting contract workers. She also added that Kuwait is currently undertaking a comprehensive legislative review of relevant national laws, including labor-related regulations. Sheikha Jawaher also emphasized the great importance that Kuwait places on supporting and empowering women in the labor market across both the public and private sectors. This commitment stems from the noble directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. She also reviewed the achievements of Kuwaiti women in the labor sector, particularly within the private sector. (KUNA)
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
United Nations unanimously adopts Kuwait's human rights report
GENEVA, May 10: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) unanimously adopted Kuwait's fourth national report, affirming the country's commitment to enhancing its human rights framework. The report underscores Kuwait's dedication to strengthening its national human rights protection system through comprehensive legislative, institutional, and field reforms. Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait led the Kuwaiti delegation during the session held in Geneva, presenting the national report within the framework of the UNHRC's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Key legislative and institutional reforms Kuwait highlighted several significant reforms aimed at aligning its legal framework with international human rights standards. These include: Protection from domestic violence: The enactment of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, establishing shelters and hotlines for victims. Amendments to Penal Code: Redefining the crime of torture in accordance with the Committee against Torture's recommendations.n Nationality Law Reforms: Amendments to the Nationality Law to align it with civil, economic, and social rights.n Abolition of Article 153: Supporting gender equality by repealing provisions that previously allowed lenient sentences for honor-based crimes.n Raising the Minimum Age of Marriage: Increasing the legal age of marriage to 18 years.n Abolition of Article 182: Removing exemptions from punishment for perpetrators of kidnapping who marry the victim.n Institutional developments Kuwait has established several institutions to bolster human rights protections, including: Domestic Violence Centers: Providing support services to victims. National Office for Child Protection: Focusing on safeguarding children's rights.n Women's Affairs and Business Committee: Enhancing the role of women in development.n Specialized Public Prosecution Offices: Addressing human trafficking and human rights violations.n Additionally, Kuwait launched child protection centers in July 2024 to address cases of abuse and neglect. Advancements in gender equality Kuwaiti women play a pivotal role in the nation's development, representing 58% of the total national workforce. Women's participation in the government sector stands at 60%, with 48% in both the private sector and the legal profession. Notably, women currently hold three ministerial portfolios in the government. Support for persons with disabilities Kuwait allocated approximately $340 million for the fiscal year 2023/2024 to support services for persons with disabilities. This funding benefits over 213,000 individuals across 82 educational and rehabilitation institutions, including schools, nurseries, and treatment centers. Anti-corruption measures The report highlights Kuwait's efforts to combat corruption through the preparation of new draft laws aimed at expanding the powers of the Anti-Corruption Authority, strengthening the role and independence of the judiciary, and tightening the protection of public funds in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Digital transformation and environmental initiatives Kuwait has embraced digitization with the launch of the "Sahel" app, which has processed over 60 million e-transactions. The country has also adopted national strategies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. International humanitarian efforts The report underscores Kuwait's role as a capital of humanitarian action, emphasizing its continued commitment to providing large-scale humanitarian aid through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The country supports relief efforts in conflict and disaster areas, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, and has organized and hosted international donor conferences. Commitment to reform and sustainable development Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait continues its commitment to reform, modernization, and the promotion of rights and freedoms. These developments reflect the State of Kuwait's renewed commitment to advancing the human rights system based on the principles of the Constitution and international conventions aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. Engagement with UN Human Rights mechanisms The report notes that Kuwait received 302 recommendations in the previous UPR cycle, of which 230 were fully accepted, 6 were partially accepted, and 12 were taken into account. The state remains committed to transparency and openness, fully participating in dialogue sessions with relevant international treaty committees. Kuwait has also engaged with mandate holders and special procedures of the Council, responding to requests for field and scientific visits during 2023 and 2024, including mandates in the fields of development, violence against women, and the rights of persons with disabilities and migrants. The national report, covering the period from 2020 to the end of 2024, was prepared through a comprehensive participatory methodology involving government agencies, civil society, and the National Bureau for Human Rights. The Kuwaiti delegation pledged to study the 290 recommendations submitted by member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing on strengthening human rights mechanisms
