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    28-Mar-2017

Ideas and hopes - Editorial, The Jordan Times

 

 

The Arab Summit Preparatory Committee has suggested 10 draft resolutions on inter-Arab trade, customs duties, status of women in the Arab world and other economic and social issues for the Arab heads of states to reflect on and adopt in due course.
 
Also proposed are projects related to a knowledge-based economy, technological innovation, food security, reviving marine life and, very important, continuing to work to better women’s status through a strategy of economic, political and social empowerment.
 
The strategy also outlines mechanisms that help protect women from all forms of violence, included during armed conflicts or terrorist acts.
 
Joint economic and development efforts to develop Arab individuals’ capacities and create a better life for future generations will have to be exerted, and Arab leaders are expected to tackle the issue seriously.
The refugee problem and the need for shared Arab responsibility is also addressed in the draft resolutions.
 
As for parameters for their realisation, there are guidelines that could be followed.
Economic and social rights are no abstract notions; they are dealt with extensively in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which all Arab states have either signed or ratified and, presumably, incorporated into their legal system.
 
This particular international human rights instrument covers issues such as non-discrimination, gender equality, and the right to work, housing, health, education and culture.
 
As such, the matters covered by the 10 draft resolutions need to make reference to international norms to ensure that the ambitious inter-Arab plan of action is carried out.
 
Speaking of women’s rights, all Arab countries have either signed or ratified the international Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
 
This very important international treaty, like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, can act as ideal points of reference when addressing issues pertaining to them.
 
There is considerable jurisprudence on these basic rights that, when discussing the proposed draft resolutions, Arab leaders need to make sure to fall back on.
 
The work agenda seems full. It is hoped that the summit will be able to address all issues proposed, come up with solutions and lead the way towards a brighter future for a region that has for too long been thrown into darkness.
 

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