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