Manama: The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) handed over the presidency of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions to the National Institution for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain, after holding the position for a year.
According to Jordan News Agency, the transfer occurred during the Arab Network's conference and 25th General Assembly held in Manama, themed "Protecting Children in the Digital Space: Challenges, Legislation and Preventive Measures." Samar Al-Haj Hassan, President of the Network and Chairperson of NCHR Board of Trustees, remarked that the conference signifies the Network's ongoing commitment to promote and protect human rights in the Arab region amidst digital challenges.
Al-Haj Hassan highlighted the Network's achievements in 2025, a year marked by significant regional and international challenges. These included strengthening governance, building institutional capacities, expanding regional and international coordination, and enhancing partnerships. The Network also intensified human rights advocacy and addressed regional challenges, such as the Palestinian cause, by calling for international legal accountability, rejecting displacement plans, and documenting violations against civilians and journalists.
Jamal Shamayleh, Commissioner General for Human Rights, discussed the importance of developing children's digital citizenship skills. He emphasized the necessity of empowering children to use digital spaces safely, in alignment with national constitutions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Shamayleh underscored the shared responsibility of the state, educational institutions, civil society, media, and families in creating a digital environment that safeguards children from exploitation, violence, cyberbullying, and privacy violations.
He further emphasized the role of schools, families, and media in promoting digital citizenship skills by integrating digital rights concepts into curricula, empowering children, especially those with disabilities, to understand personal data risks, and raising awareness of privacy rights. Additionally, he stressed the importance of training teachers and informing parents about positive digital guidance methods.
During NCHR's presidency, there were significant efforts to enhance institutional cooperation and coordinate joint positions among member institutions, bolstering the Network's role and regional presence. The Center remains committed to supporting the Network's work and contributing to achieving its future objectives.