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