PRESS RELEASE — Emphasizing
the importance of the localization of humanitarian and development work in
Jordan and the role of effective partnership between civil society and
international institutions in strengthening it, especially in light of the
current circumstances plaguing the region, and under the title "Partners
through thick and thin", the
Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF) organized
its annual event for the Al-Nahda Localization Award for Humanitarian Action of
2023, which was awarded to the Representative of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan, Dominic Bartsch, in recognition of
his contributions and achievements in supporting this important agenda to
advance development plans and strategies in Jordan.
اضافة اعلان
In
this context, Dr. Sawsan Majali, a member of the JONAF Administrative
Committee, said: "Upholding basic humanitarian principles is essential
under the current circumstances." She then added that "Now more than
ever, we need to highlight the need to activate the localization of
humanitarian action and call on various stakeholders to work together and
extend the hands of cooperation to overcome global and local crises and
challenges." She also pointed out that supporting the capabilities of
local and national bodies works to raise the efficiency of the humanitarian
response and the sustainability of development efforts.
Eng.
Mai Abu Addad, member of the JONAF and President of the Step of Hope
Association in Irbid, praised the essential and pivotal role of the JONAF
Alliance in gaining the support of decision-makers in promoting the
localization of humanitarian and development work, in addition to the Forum’s
efforts in developing the work of local organizations and associations.
Moreover, she stated that unemployment, health, education, and the challenges
of refugees are among the most pressing issues at the local level and that
these challenges can be addressed through local approaches to humanitarian
action and the continued support for those working to meet these needs in
different governorates.
The
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan, Sheri Anderson, stressed
Jordan's pivotal role in maintaining stability in the region and its tireless
efforts in the refugee file, saying: "We acknowledge Jordan's continued
support for the refugee issue." She then added: "I am delighted to be
here with you today to celebrate the recognition of the courageous figure
represented by Dominique Bartsch, as localization of humanitarian action has
often been a top priority for the United Nations, including
UNHCR".
In
his speech, Bartsch expressed his contentment that Jordan has made significant
progress in the field of localization of humanitarian action, pointing out that
there is still a lot for
UNHCR to offer to empower local actors, as well as the
need to find appropriate ways to activate partnerships between all local actors
to achieve a comprehensive renaissance and better responses to the needs of
communities targeted by humanitarian and development agendas. "I accept
this award on behalf of the
UNHCR team," he said, adding: "I pledge to all of you to continue to
provide support to all those who need our support."
In
turn, CEO of
ARDD, Samar Muhareb, pointed out that the award is announced
annually in conjunction with the International Day of the United Nations
Charter on Human Rights, to emphasize the importance of these charters and
rights at the local level, and the need to work to make them more relatable to
respond to the reality of all peoples of the world, by working to support their
localization, and adhering to them by the most needy communities everywhere, as
they represent humanitarian gains and achievements for all, although the
current circumstances have limited their application in our region, but that
this will push us further to protect them and demand their application.
Furthermore, Muhareb expressed her deep gratitude for the efforts of the United
Nations and its partnership with Jordanian civil society and standing side by
side with local civil society organizations through all crises, stressing the
need for local, national, and international institutions to unite to activate
the localization of humanitarian action, saying: "We believe in the
localization of humanitarian action and the bridges it builds. Our mission is
to stand united through thick and thin and to do what we can, despite our
limited resources, to enhance the response and sustain our development
goals."
In
2021, ARDD, the coordinator of JONAF, along with the Forum’s Steering
Committee, launched the "Al-Nahda Localization Award for Humanitarian
Action" in recognition of the tremendous efforts of distinguished
individuals and/or prominent international organizations who advocate and
support the localization of humanitarian action, and in recognition of their
role in advancing civil society organizations at both the local and
international levels.
The
award also considers outstanding courage, creativity, and the ability to
inspire others, as well as leadership side by side with action as part of the
community of humanitarian workers, and adherence to the highest standards of
integrity in critical contexts.
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