Amman: The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the German Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, organized a dialogue session on Monday to explore the role of parliament in promoting citizenship and political engagement for persons with disabilities.
According to Jordan News Agency, First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Khamis Atieh, emphasized that the discussion reflects a nation's development and the robustness of its political and legislative bodies. He highlighted the significance of equitable legislation as a gateway to inclusion, with efficient oversight ensuring laws are upheld in both spirit and letter.
Atieh stressed the ongoing need to review and enhance legal frameworks to improve accessibility, ensure equal opportunities, and support the political, social, and economic involvement of persons with disabilities. Secretary-General of the Council, Muhannad Azzeh, pointed out that hosting the World Disability Summit highlights Jordan's global recognition in advancing disability rights. He mentioned that outcomes such as the "Amman-Berlin Declaration" and commitments from national and international bodies offer opportunities to further promote inclusion.
Azzeh also stressed the vital role of parliamentary committees in overseeing the implementation of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and national commitments, while reaffirming the Council's readiness to support youth and activists in fostering collective action and advocacy. Veronika Ertl, Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, highlighted the importance of empowering persons with disabilities and facilitating their active participation in public life. She recognized the value of learning from global best practices and building partnerships with relevant entities to enhance capacities and ensure the exercise of rights.
The dialogue session reviewed Jordan's experience in hosting the Third World Summit on Disability and the national commitments from 88 institutions, resulting in over 130 pledges. Presentations showcased the involvement of youth with disabilities in the summit. Participants emphasized the necessity of integrating disability issues into all legislative discussions, enhancing parliamentary oversight, and utilizing tools such as memoranda and formal inquiries to monitor the inclusion of rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Recommendations from the session included organizing regular meetings with parliamentary committees, establishing monitoring frameworks for the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and developing incentives to encourage adherence to national obligations and relevant legislation.