By Dalya Dajani

AMMAN - The Kingdom's human rights authority on Tuesday said it will support national entities and partners striving for the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) in public life and the workplace.

Speaking at a signing ceremony in support of the "Opportunities for All" network, National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) Commissioner General Muhyiddine Touq said the rights of PWD to work and equal opportunity are basic human rights.

The British Council yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with both the NCHR and the Higher Council for the Affairs of People with Disabilities in support of the network's objectives.

Launched by the British Council in November last year, the network serves as a platform for all those working in the field of disability, human rights practitioners, the media and PWD to exchange experiences and best practices on how to best achieve these goals.

Around 62 local organisations including civil society entities and PWD have been undergoing training on how to best push forth awareness and advocacy towards their rights.

British Council Projects Manager Kinda Hattar said several meetings were held to assess the needs of those in the field to provide the required support and capacity building.

These sessions included training in different areas such as communication skills, lobbying and advocacy.

Hattar said training was given to around 50 NGO staff members as well as PWD in Jerash, Ajloun, Irbid and Mafraq, adding that similar workshops are slated for the southern and central regions of the country over the next two months.

In addition, five advocacy groups designed to promote PWD rights for work and equal opportunities will also to be established across the country. According to Hattar, the network will now focus on measures to carry out their work, part of which entails promoting advocacy for PWD by meeting with representatives from the government, private sector and civil society for the employment of PWD according to the Labour Law and international conventions.

British Council Director Charlie Walker yesterday commended the work of both organisations and their support for the network, noting that ongoing awareness was necessary to improve negative perceptions of PWD and increase work opportunities.

Walker said they also plan on bringing together PWD and the private sector at a job fair slated for next year.