Latest news with #andCulturalRights
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Christian Alliance in Iraq protests government's salary freeze
Shafaq News/ The Christian Alliance of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region filed a formal complaint against the federal government and the Ministry of Finance, protesting the suspension of salary payments for 1.2 million Kurdish civil servants. The alliance submitted the complaint to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, describing the decision to halt funding as a 'flagrant violation of basic human rights and constitutional guarantees' that threatens the livelihoods of thousands. 'This is not about numbers and accounts—it's about human lives and dignity,' said Ano Jawhar Abdoka, the alliance's Secretary-General. 'When people's livelihoods are used as political leverage, we enter a dangerous ethical decline that no responsible state should tolerate.' The complaint cites multiple articles of the Iraqi constitution, including Article 30 (guaranteeing a decent standard of living), Article 31 (ensuring health care), and Article 14 (equality and non-discrimination). It also argues that the decision violates Iraq's 2023 federal budget law and international human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The alliance urged the High Commission to open an investigation into the decision's humanitarian consequences and issue recommendations to halt the suspension. It called for the submission of a report to the United Nations and other international bodies, and for immediate legal measures to ensure the protection of employees' salaries. The Christian community in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region numbers around 250,000 people, down from 1.5 million before 2003, according to estimates by church leaders and international organizations. They are spread across Nineveh, Erbil, Duhok, and other areas, and many have faced repeated displacement due to conflict and instability. The salary freeze comes amid a broader financial dispute between Baghdad and Erbil, fueled by disagreements over oil revenue sharing and constitutional interpretations. Tensions have escalated further after the KRG signed two massive energy deals with American companies worth over $110B, prompting Baghdad to accuse Erbil of 'exceeding its constitutional powers.'
Jordan Times
08-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Jordan marks World Health Day with 'commitment' to inclusive healthcare
Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry Khalil Abdallat says that the World Health Day emphasises His Majesty King Abdullah's strategic focus on improving the Kingdom's healthcare sector (Petra photo) AMMAN — On the occasion of the World Health Day, celebrated this year with the theme: "My health, my right," Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry Khalil Abdallat on Monday highlighted Jordan's strong commitment to creating an inclusive and fair healthcare system. Abdallat noted that the World Health Day emphasises His Majesty King Abdullah's strategic focus on improving the Kingdom's healthcare sector, which is essential for national development and societal well-being, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. "We have consistently worked to enhance infrastructure, broaden the reach of services, and ensure comprehensive care for all, especially for vulnerable groups," he said. He pointed out that Jordan has become a "leader" in the region when it comes to healthcare delivery and expertise, thanks to "advanced" facilities and a "highly" skilled workforce. "Following the King's vision, the government is actively modernising the healthcare system through reforms that improve service accessibility, staff training, and focus on preventive care, with particular attention to maternal and child health," Abdallat added. He noted that Jordan's National Health Strategy focuses on improving service quality, effective governance, strong health information systems, and ensuring universal healthcare access, where this strategy aligns with broader national plans for economic and administrative modernisation. Abdallat also underscored Jordan's active role in health diplomacy. "By forming strategic partnerships with organisations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and UNHCR, Jordan has become a regional centre for health expertise," he said. "We are dedicated to training medical professionals across the region and operating field hospitals in conflict zones, reflecting our belief in the universal right to health," Abdallat noted. He highlighted Jordan's leadership in providing healthcare to refugees, a role that is further strengthened through international cooperation. "Our field hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank stand as symbols of our commitment to vulnerable populations and our advocacy for regional peace," Abdallat said. He said that Jordan remains dedicated to aligning its healthcare laws with international human rights standards. Abdallat referred to agreements such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 3, which focuses on health and well-being.
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Amina Bouayach Calls for Improved Social Protection Governance in Morocco
Rabat – Amina Bouayach, President of the Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH), discussed today the importance of social protection in the country, particularly in light of international standards. Bouayach made the remarks while addressing the 9th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, held in the House of Counselors. She began by acknowledging the ongoing efforts to expand social protection in Morocco, a key goal for the government aiming to ensure universal coverage by 2025. She explained that social protection is both a fundamental human right and a key to development. Bouayach referred to international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which outline the importance of guaranteeing social protection for all citizens. Bouayach also discussed Morocco's strides in improving social protection over the past three decades, recalling the launch of the social protection reform by King Mohammed VI in 2021. This initiative is seen as a major 'structural shift' in the country's efforts to secure social rights for all citizens, the CNDH president said, noting that the framework law 09.21 was an important step towards building a robust social protection system. While the council has observed positive progress in expanding coverage, Bouayach identified several challenges. Among these were delays in the registration process for the National Population Registry and the Unified Social Registry, which have left some citizens excluded from direct social support programs. She also mentioned difficulties related to the transition from the RAMED system to mandatory health insurance, as well as the sustainability of funding for the programs, especially for vulnerable groups. Bouayach also mentioned issues such as the unequal distribution of services, especially in rural areas, need to be addressed. She also raised concerns about the lack of communication from authorities, which makes it difficult for some citizens to access social protection benefits. CNDH President concluded by calling for better governance, an updated management system, and sustainable financing to overcome these challenges. She noted the importance of aligning Morocco's social protection system with international standards, citing key International Labour Organization conventions, including those on maternity protection and social security.
