Aqaba, June 21 (Petra) –Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (HCD), in cooperation with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan, held a consultative workshop
for the Kingdom’s Southern Region on enhancing the political
participation and representation of persons with disabilities in the
local governance system.

According to a HCD statement, this event was part of the project:
“Strengthening the Voices of Persons with Disabilities for Inclusive
Local Governance,” supported by the Government of the Kingdom of
Denmark.

The activities brought together approximately 90 participants,
including persons with disabilities, representatives of disability
organizations, members of the Senate and the Lower House of
Representatives, other public and private ministries and institutions
and experts and activists from various governorates in the Southern
Region.

The workshop focused on strengthening the political participation and
representation of persons with disabilities in local councils.

The dialogue also went over the legislative, institutional, and
environmental challenges affecting the political participation and
representation of persons with disabilities within the local
governance system.

The session aimed to directly hear this group’s opinions,
experiences, and priorities, which would develop practical
recommendations to establish “a more inclusive and rights-responsive
local governance system.”

Held withn national efforts to review and develop the legislative
framework governing local governance, this process would enable
“greater” opportunities to enhance the representation of persons with
disabilities in municipal and governorate councils and expand their
participation in planning and decision-making processes locally.

The workshop highlighted the pivotal roles of government agencies and
national institutions involved in promoting the political
participation and representation of persons with disabilities within
the local governance system.

The participants also discussed ways to develop relevant policies,
legislation, and programs, and enhance coordination and integration
among various stakeholders.

As for its end purpose, the HCD said this process will contribute to
building a “more inclusive, accessible, and responsive” local
governance system that meets rights and needs of persons with
disabilities and ensures their full and effective participation in
local decision-making.

Talking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, Randa
Abu Hassan, stated enhanced engagement of persons with disabilities
in local governance is “not merely about increasing representation,
but about building more inclusive, responsive, and effective
institutions capable of harnessing the potential of all citizens,
without exception.”

She added that participation is “not a granted privilege, but an
inherent right, and simultaneously a prerequisite for achieving
sustainable development and good governance.”
//Petra// AG