January 1 - January 9

The following are summaries of democratic reform-related articles that appeared in newspapers from the region between January 1 and January 9, 2008:

BAHRAIN

• Quota system is the only solution to empower women and involve them in the decision-making process in the Gulf region, according to a recent study. Conducted by the executive office of GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs based in Bahrain, the study recommends the GCC to implement a quota system to enhance women’s participation in the development of men-oriented societies in the Gulf.  The study calls for legal protection for women from domestic and social abuse and ensuring their rights as well as gender equality in curricula at schools and universities.  The study also highlights women’s lack of awareness about their rights and calls on the authorities to inform women in the region that they have the right to ask for more services from their governments and society.  (Bahrain Tribune January 2)
  
  
• Bahraini women societies prepared a “Shadow report” after the High Council for Women submitted their official report to the United Nation's committee which is looking into Bahrain's efforts in executing the CEDAW agreement's clauses with regards to discrimination against women. Fatema Rabea, spokes person of the Women Federation said that prominent figures and women societies selected a committee to prepare the “Shadow Report” as they were deprived from participating in the preparation of the official report. (Al Ayyam January 2)
  
  
• The Bahraini parliament approved the Anti-Human Trafficking law on December 31, 2007, as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to the UN convention against transnational organised crime and its two protocols.  The law has 10 articles which define human trafficking and cites cases in which the consent of the victim is not acknowledged, degrees of penalties, rights of victims, jurisdiction of the Public Prosecution and the court. The executive article stipulates the setting up of a panel to evaluate the status of foreign victims of human trafficking and a national committee to combat human-trafficking. The law empowers the Ministry of Social Development to issue rules for shelter for victims and measures to inspect the centres.  (Bahrain Tribune January 6)
  
  
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared the first national report on human rights for review by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
  Bahrain is among the first batch of 16 countries to be under the scanner next month.  The Minster of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar bin Sadeq Al Baharna held a meeting lawmakers, civil society organizations and legal experts on Wednesday who presented their views on the report. Dr. Al Baharna said the report reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to promote human rights through best practices. (Al Ayyam January 7)
  
  
• The first Bahrain mediawomen’s forum started in Manama on January 8.  The event, under the auspices of the Minister of Information, Jehad Hassan Bukamal, is being organised by the Albadel Centre for Training and Development. “The interaction between mediawomen helps develop their abilities, encourages team work and helps them gain experience, knowledge and interest in the field,” Albadel board of directors member Munaa Al Zayed said. On behalf of the organising committee, Shooq Bu Ali said the Centre held the forum for Bahraini mediawomen to highlight their role. (Bahrain Tribune January 9)
  
  
• Bahrain Forum for Dialogue among Civilizations is organizing its first conference between 7-9 January, under the auspices of the Bahraini Cabinet Minister.  The conference will host scholars, intellectuals, Ambassadors, and religious scholars from Asia, Europe and the Middle East. According to Yacoob Al Shaiba, Executive Chairman of the Forum, the conference will focus on encouraging dialogue between nations, and different religions and cultures, and will discuss education, women, youth, development, media, and investment.  Al Shaiba confirmed that the Forum will avoid discussing regional or international political conflicts. (Al Ayyam January 9)

JORDAN

• Women activists praised the tangible improvements in women's rights in the Kingdom in 2007, but noted that more lobbying was needed to change discriminatory legislation.  "There were many remarkable achievements for women this year, including the appointment of four female ministers and seven senators, as well as the victory of one woman, through direct competition, in the parliamentary elections," Jordanian National Commission for Women Secretary General Asma Khader said….Activist Emily Naffa, however, said last year’s achievements were good, but not as expected.  "We were disappointed by the outcome of the elections because we were expecting more women to win outside the quota," she told The Jordan Times.  The women's movement pressed the government to amend the quota system and double the six Lower House seats, but the "government ignored our demands", Naffa said. (Jordan Times January 1)
  
  
• The Lower House on Sunday endorsed the controversial draft laws on economic development zones and domestic violence. The law grants “developers” the right to purchase state-owned land, prompting lawmakers to suggest that certain “dubious” foreign parties could buy up valuable land in the Kingdom.  Officials see the creation of development zones in different parts of the Kingdom as one of many available tools that can help improve the economy across the country.  The Lower House also endorsed the family protection draft law, an attempt by the government to fight growing domestic violence, mainly the abuse of children and women. Violators of the law face a maximum of six months behind bars as well as financial penalties. Victims can also file for financial compensations in cases of physical harm or psychological abuse under the bill. (Jordan Times January 7)
  
  
• Representatives from the government and civil society organisations (CSO’s) assembled on Jan.7 to discuss the national policy paper, which cites that amendments to political parties, societies and associations laws are an obstacle to the emergence of real political life. The national policy paper, entitled “Rights to Assembly in the Jordanian Legislations”, was produced by Fayez Shakhatreh, a contracted legal expert to the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR). Mainly funded by the European Union and Frederick Newman Foundation, the project “Enhancing Legal Framework of Associations Through National Dialogue and Empowerment of Civil Society”, involves Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Egypt. The gathering aimed to develop a coordinating mechanism between CSOs and the government to achieve legal reforms for three laws on NGOs, political parties and labour unions. Of the 16 parliamentarians who were invited to join the debates, none showed up at the event which was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Nader Dahabi. (Al Arab Al Yawm/Jordan Times January 8)
  
  
• On January 8, The Ministry of Political Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jordan National Commission for Women Affairs that encourages the participation of women in political and economic stream and in taking decision making posts in the government and private sector, and in civil society organizations.  The Minister of Political Development Dr. Kamal Nasser said that the MoU will enhance women’s role in building democracy and political life according to the national strategies. (Al Arab Al Yawm January 9)
  

KUWAIT

• A report about a new labor market system will soon be sent to the Cabinet for study and approval. The report criticized the lack of efficiency of the labor system in regards to carrying out inspections on companies who violate labor laws and also talks about the establishment of a new institutional system for Kuwait's labor market which will replace the state's current sponsorship (kafeel) system. The report also calls for the application of law no. 136/2001, which limits the number of expatriate laborers in ordinary and marginal professions. (Kuwait Times January 3)
  
  
• Minister of Justice and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Jamal Al-Shihab, on Thursday issued a ministerial decree forming a permanent committee to take part in setting Kuwait's legislative policy. (Kuwait News Agency January 3)
  
  
• A member of the Challenge Team in the Manpower Restructuring Program Fawatem Bou Hamad called on high school students to come up with a future strategy that identifies their goals after graduation.  Bou Hamad expressed her hope for the success of the Challenge Team in spreading awareness among youth on the importance of working in the private sector and meeting the market needs.  One of the main objectives of this Program is to eliminate unemployment. (Al Qabas January 4)
  
  
• Participants in the seminar “Women’s Political Participation: A tradition or a constitutional right?” unanimously agreed that women should receive equal political and social rights.  Dr. Fatema Al Abdali, Secretary General of Women Network said that there are still obstacles hindering women’s access to leadership positions, and called for the change of the relationship pattern between men and women.  Activist Farida Abdeen said that in order to achieve gender equality, laws must be amended.  Dr. Abbas Al Tarrah, session Chair emphasized the importance of activating cooperation between civil society organizations to attain true partnership between both genders. (Al Qabas January 9)
  

OMAN

• An expedition titled Connecting Cultures 2008, to promote intercultural dialogue among youth from several countries in the Western and Arab world will be held from February 7 to 12 in the Sultanate.  The expedition will comprise a team of some 18 young girls from 10 nations to journey through the Al Sharqiyah desert in north-eastern Oman, using camels for support. Dr Madiha Al Sheibania, Secretary-General, Oman National Commission (ONC) for Education, Culture and Science, commended the effort of national commission to promote activities that enhance the channel of communication among cultures. The activities include sharing ideas among pairs of participants about what they have in common and other findings as they travel around the Sharqiyah Sands. Besides, group discussions will be held at lunchtimes and camp fires. In the middle of each day, the group will take a break to work in two teams tackling increasingly difficult problems. A team of professional facilitators will accompany them on their journey. (Oman Observer January 8)
  

QATAR

• Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Moza, wife of the Prince, an agreement has been signed to establish Doha Center for Free Media.  The agreement was signed on January 3 by the Chairman of the General Authority for Radio and Television and the Chairman of Al Jazeera Channel, with the attendance of a representative from Reporters without Borders.  The Center’s objectives would be to support and enhance free media. (Al Rayah January 3)
  
  
• The Higher Education Authority held a meeting with representatives of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, and universities of the Education City, such as Weil Cornell Medical School, Texas University, Virginia Commonwealth, Georgetown University, Carnegie Melon, and Islamic Studies College.  The meeting discussed scholarships offered to undergraduate students, and counseling services and sessions offered to high school students. (Al Rayah January 3)
  
  
• Qatar Leadership Academy completed its five-day Leadership Training for Youth course, which was attended by 30 representatives from Youth Institutions and Heads of Student Councils.  The training’s objective was to provide participants with the concepts and information related to managerial work and job responsibilities, and to develop their managerial, communication, time management and team work skills.  The training offered by a professor from Suez University focused on interactive exchange of ideas and experiences, and on using practical tools to apply what has been learned.  (Al Rayah January 5)
  
  
• The Qatar University- sponsored ‘First Childhood Conference' got off here January 5 with a call for greater involvement of parents in Qatar's Early Education system. Delivering the key note address, Professor Christine Pascal and Professor Tony Bertram, both from Centre for Research in Early Childhood, Birmingham, UK, said parents and elder members of the family must act as active participants and partners in the early education system of the toddlers. Dr Shaika Jaber Al Thani, Qatar University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr Hissa Sadiq, Dean of the College of Education, Dr Fatima Al Maadadi, Associate Dean of Qatar University, QU and Dr Huda Basheer of Early Childhood Center and Maha B Homsi, Director, Projects for Developing Early Childhood and Protection, Unicef were among others who addressed the opening ceremony. (Al Rayah, The Peninsula January 6).
  

SAUDI ARABIA

• On December 31, the consultative Shoura Council passed a new law to regulate nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) after months of discussions, replacing the old one that was issued 17 years ago. Muhammad Rida Nasrallah, a member of the Shoura, said it was high time for NGOs to play a greater role in the development of society along with the state. He said the new law would boost NGOs in the country.
  
  The law calls for the formation of a national commission for NGOs that will register and license NGOs and federations and provide government assistance to deserving organizations. It will also follow up the performance of NGOs and monitor their financial activities. It also contains rules and regulations for the merger and dissolution of NGOs in the country and for spending their wealth.
  The commission will have a 15-member board of directors, chaired by a Cabinet member, according to Shoura sources. Five members will be from government departments and 10 from private organizations. (Arab News Jan 1)
  
  
• Saudi women activists Wednesday began a fresh effort to get a ban on women drivers lifted in 2008, handing in a new petition to King Abdullah urging him to quash the restriction. The petition follows a similar one sent to the king last September signed by more than 1,100 Saudis. "We hope to send a new petition each time we manage to get 1000 new signatures," Founding member of the Committee of Demanders of Women's Right to Drive Cars Fowziyyah al-Oyouni said. (Middle East Online January 2)
  
  
• The Ministry of Education will include the philosophy of dialogue concept in its 2008/2009 curriculum, which would be experimented on 42 primary and middle schools.  To achieve this goal, the Ministry has already started training more than 321 teachers on the techniques of dialogue, tolerance, and moderation at the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue.   The Ministry also signed a partnership with the Center in order to enhance, develop, and spread the culture of dialogue among the Saudi society. (Al Riyadh January 5)
  
  
• Recommendations from a workshop sponsored by the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) regarding the introduction of human rights into the Saudi school curriculum will be sent to King Abdullah for approval, the Kingdom’s unofficial human rights watchdog said December 31. Over 40 participants from 16 higher educational institutions in the Kingdom met on December 31 to discuss the matter. They agreed that a subject called “Human Rights” should be taught in Saudi universities and also at the secondary, intermediate and elementary levels.  NSHR President Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar told the discussion panel during his opening speech that the initiative was part of his organization’s efforts to create awareness among Saudis about human rights in the Kingdom. (Arab News January 6)
  
  
• On January 6, a lecture on the injustice towards Saudi Women will be given by Dr. Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Habdan, holder of a Master’s Degree on the Oppression of Women.  The lecture which was open to the public will include reasons behind women’s oppression in Saudi Arabia, forms and shapes of this injustice, and Islam’s protection of women.  The lecture was uploaded on Islam Online website. (Al-Riyadh January 6)
  
  
• On January 5, King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue will commence its execution of the training program to spread the value and principles of dialogue for 325 female students in 13 middle and high schools.  The program will start with an open dialogue between the Women’s Center and female school and college students.  This will be followed by an expanded discussion on job opportunities in the private sector, enhanced education and training programs, developing the role of women in business, and the culture of work, that will include businessmen and businesswomen and experts in the field. (Al Riyadh January 6)
  

UAE

• The Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to raise the quality of education across the UAE and encourage international educational standards. ADEC is responsible for the education process in Abu Dhabi and focuses on planning, future development, implementation processes across the nation and in dealing with day to day problems in schools.  The agreement gradually transfers all the duties of the Ministry to the Council, which, among many items, will give full authority to the Council to develop the education system in Abu Dhabi, and reach international standards. (Al-Ittihad January 1)
  
  
• The Ministry of Justice announced the commencement of the executive of 30 projects and initiative to develop a distinguished legislative and judicial system, through a framework of transparency, Undersecretary Ali Al Hosani said.  He added that the Ministry’s priority has been shifted to raising performance, electronic transfer, spread of judicial awareness, provide full infrastructure to existing courts in the northern emirates. Al Hosani also revealed the intention of the Ministry to amend the judicial authority law to allow women to work in this field, after this had been designated solely to men.  This amendment will create opportunity for women to become federal judges and public prosecutors. (Al-Ittihad January 2)
  
  
• The recent decision to allow young people above the age of 16 to have a part time job will give an opportunity for teenagers to get labour market exposure and grow professionally, said an official at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Teenagers sponsored by their parents or universities can undertake part-time work, Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour, earlier told Gulf News. He issued a decision that allows people from the age of 16 to undertake part-time work in the country. A part-time labour card also gives an opportunity for university students to get work experience before graduating, he added. Young people can now acquire a job if they meet the legal requirements, but they cannot work full-time until they reach 18, said Al Ka'abi. (Gulf News January 4)
  
  
• On January 6, the Sharjah Forum for Development (Tatweer), the ambitious Emirati project aimed at developing skills and abilities of Emirati Youth, hosted a delegation from George Washington University, to discuss the cultural role of Sharjah Emirate and the activities of Tatweer.  According to the Chairman of Tatweer, the Forum aims at building coalitions with the best international educational institutions and establishing modern effective civil society organizations that support individual initiatives, creative thinking, and institutional work.  (Al Khaleej January 7)
  
  
• Anti-piracy, illicit trade and counterfeit issues and their risks to the local, regional and international economy and the enforcement of Intellectual Property rights came under the spotlight at the first Arab Intellectual Property (IP) Forum. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Economy, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and Khasawneh & Associates-Legal Consultants, and was held in Abu Dhabi January 8 and 9. (Gulf News January 8)
  
  
• Mohamed bin Rashed’s program for Leadership Development concluded a discussion panel on measuring performance of governmental institutions.  The two-day training course was offered for young Emirati leader and presented by two visiting professors from Harvard University.  The lecturers gave a comparison between the old system that depends on questioning and monitoring by foreign bodies and the new system that seeks performance development within the institution and through its managers.  (Al Khaleej January 8)
  

YEMEN

• On January 3, the Yemeni Organization for the Defense of Human Rights and Democratic Liberties issued a press statement entitled “Democracy cannot survive with the existence of military camps and armed bodies in the cities and villages”.  This statement was issued after the organization received numerous complaints by citizens on the existing military centers in their neighborhoods.  The statement questioned the existence of these centers inside the cities and regions and not on the country’s borders. (Dar Al Ayyam January 6)
  
  
• The Democratic Movement for Change and Development – under establishment - launched a political initiative calling for the President to sponsor a national dialogue that excluded nobody.  The initiative’s main objective would be to draft a new constitution that provides for equality, sovereignty of the law, and national partnerships.  The initiative also called for the formation of a high committee for dialogue comprising members of different political parties, civil society organizations, and public opinion leaders. (Dar Al Ayyam January 7)
  
  
• On January 6, a student delegation from George Mason University visited the Democratic School in Aden, and met with the Head of the School Jamal Al Shami and the operations team.  The delegation was briefed on the activities of the school, especially those related to youth and human rights, as well the school’s accomplishments in spreading human rights awareness and its youth training programs.  During the visit, both sides agreed on the importance of activating cooperation between them and expanding dialogue between Yemeni and American youth. (Dar Al Ayyam January 7)
  
  
• An official at the Democratic Institute confirmed the continuing need to train and prepare women, and raise their level of awareness to enable them to exercise their rights fully.  Fatema Aqaba, head of programs, political parties, and women participation department at the Institute spoke on January 8 to a wide group of women leaders, about the importance of women awareness in making them an effective element of their societies.  She added that the prevailing traditions and customs in some areas especially the remote ones hinder women in practicing their political rights, and that these are only traditions and not relevant to Islamic religion.  Fatema also discussed the feasibility of applying the quota system in the next elections. Participants included head of the Modern Youth Society, head of the national committee for women, and the Yemeni Women Association branch. (Dar Al Ayyam January 9).