The National Centre for Human Rights conducted an awareness-raising discussion session at the University of Jordan/Aqaba Branch titled: “Students and Political Party Life in Jordan: Towards Effective Youth Participation,” in the presence of a number of academic and administrative staff, as well as a group of university students.
The session was opened with remarks delivered by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Majali, Assistant President of the University, representing the University President, who welcomed the Centre’s delegation and emphasized the importance of such meetings in raising students’ awareness of national issues and encouraging their engagement in political party work, thereby contributing to fostering a culture of dialogue and active participation in public life.
Ms. Nasreen Zureikat, Commissioner for Enhancement at the National Centre for Human Rights, presented a briefing on the importance of these sessions in empowering university students and strengthening their role in political life. She highlighted the Royal interest in advancing the political system, particularly through the outcomes of the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System and the resulting legislative updates, foremost among them the Political Parties Law and the Regulation governing the practice of student political party activities in higher education institutions, in addition to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s vision for developing youth capacities and enhancing their participation in public affairs.
Mr. Rami Ahmad Al-Hashem, Head of the National Legislation Unit at the Centre, delivered a presentation outlining the key provisions of the Political Parties Law No. (7) of 2022, explaining its objectives in promoting political participation and enabling youth to engage in political party work within legal and constitutional frameworks. He stressed the importance of providing a safe and neutral university environment that guarantees freedom of political party activity and ensures responsible democratic practice.
For his part, Mr. Omar Bani Mustafa, Head of the Awareness and Training Unit at the Centre, presented on the role of the National Centre for Human Rights in promoting and protecting public rights and freedoms, highlighting key national efforts to spread a culture of human rights and raise awareness about the importance of participation in the democratic process as a fundamental pillar of political development.
The session also featured interventions from students addressing the main challenges they face in participating in political party life. They pointed to the impact of certain social norms and prevailing cultural attitudes that still view political party work with reservation, in addition to concerns related to future employment prospects and a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of political participation. They emphasized the need for a more supportive and transparent university environment that guarantees freedom of political party activity and encourages engagement.
At the conclusion of the session, the Centre’s delegation presented the Centre’s shield to Dr. Tawfiq Al-Majali, representing the University President, in appreciation of the continued cooperation and the university’s support for the Centre’s awareness and human rights education programs. These programs target 17 higher education institutions and community colleges across various governorates of the Kingdom, as part of the activities of the Enhancement Commissionerate.
