The Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the protection and promotion of human rights and to further develop their partnership in a manner that contributes to advancing a rights-based approach and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Chairperson of the NCHR Board of Trustees Samar Al-Haj Hassan, members of the Board of Trustees, and Commissioner-General for Human Rights Jamal Al-Shamayleh, and ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Al-Majali and a number of ASEZA commissioners.
The meeting was held as part of the NCHR’s approach to strengthening its field presence across the Kingdom’s governorates, institutionalizing direct dialogue and partnerships with national institutions and local communities, and engaging with issues and challenges related to the enjoyment of rights and freedoms.
The meeting reviewed a number of programs and initiatives implemented by ASEZA in the areas of development, environment, and youth, as well as initiatives targeting different segments of society. The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on issues related to human rights.
Chairperson of the NCHR Board of Trustees Samar Al-Haj Hassan emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with ASEZA to protect the rights of groups most in need of protection. She also stressed the importance of the right to a healthy environment and of enhancing accessibility and providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, contributing to making Aqaba an accessible and inclusive city for all.
She noted that, pursuant to its legal mandate, the NCHR places particular importance on field monitoring and direct engagement with institutions and local communities, as well as utilizing monitoring findings and recommendations to develop policies and practices and strengthen the human rights protection framework.
For his part, ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Al-Majali reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to the development of Aqaba, enhancing quality of life, and working to make the city accessible and inclusive in a manner that meets the needs of all segments of society.
Members of the NCHR Board of Trustees and the Commissioner-General also discussed with ASEZA commissioners a number of human rights issues, particularly the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental protection, youth empowerment, and the participation of groups most in need of protection, as well as the role of institutions in integrating human rights principles into development plans and programs.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing communication and coordination in the coming period, drawing on the NCHR’s observations and recommendations to enhance institutional performance, and strengthening partnerships in human rights-related programs and initiatives in a manner that contributes to advancing the principles of justice and equality and safeguarding human dignity.
