RAVE REVIEWS FOR DRL-FUNDED HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING

UNCLAS AMMAN 001232 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV KDEM EAID JO SUBJECT: RAVE REVIEWS FOR DRL-FUNDED HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING REF: 03 STATE 273527 ¶1. As authorized in reftel, post arranged for human rights training, held February 7-10 in Amman for Jordanian government and human rights officials. Funded by DRL,s Economic Support Funds/Human Rights and Democracy Funds, American academics conducted four days of lectures, role plays, and question and answer sessions. Prof. David Weissbrodt of the University of Minnesota, and Prof. Cherif Bassiouni and Prof. David Guinn of DePaul University each taught, and all three participated in a final panel discussion. Taking part in the training were a total of 19 employees from the MFA, National Center for Human Rights, Ministry of Interior, Public Security Directorate (police), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Peace Keeping Operations Center (an army officer),and the Institute of Diplomacy, which also hosted the training. ¶2. Major themes covered by the lectures included the historical development of human rights; UN covenants and agreements; UN structures and procedures dealing with human rights; regional human rights bodies; international criminal law; religious freedom and economic, social and cultural rights; and fact-finding. One of the most popular sessions was a role-play involving human rights in Iran, as represented and discussed at the UN, with participants taking the part of Iranian delegates and UN and other national representatives. ¶3. The training was held in three, two hour blocks each day, and the Institute of Diplomacy provided lunch and coffee breaks on site, as well as some administrative support. Though the level of the participants, English ability and familiarity with human rights issues and law varied dramatically, participation was actively encouraged by the instructors, and the majority asked questions and took part in the role play on human rights in Iran. The MFA had initiated the concept of the training and handled much of the planning, as well as invitations to the various organizations represented. It also provided consecutive interpretation when required. ¶4. At the conclusion, participants provided valuable feedback via short evaluation forms. All had been selected by their organizations to attend the training, and a majority found that the course was what they had expected. The more critical comments came from those who felt the training was not advanced enough. Most participants wished that the current state of human rights in Jordan and the region had been covered. Almost all strongly urged that similar training be held again for others from their organizations. ¶5. Comment: The training appears to have accomplished the objective of increasing the capacity of GOJ officials to promote internationally recognized standards of human rights. It did this not only by raising awareness, but also by providing officials with human rights portfolios with the opportunity to network. We were particularly pleased by the last-minute addition of participants from the police, military, and Interior and Justice Ministries. Post views the training as successful and hopes to repeat it. Both the MFA and the Institute of Diplomacy have requested that a similar course be held on an annual basis. Post recommends that the National Center for Human Rights (established 2003) be closely involved both to raise its stature and to capitalize on its pre-existing educational role. ¶6. Fiscal data on the training will be forwarded separately. GNEHM