Amman: The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR), in partnership with The Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), held a dialogue on digital violence and its impact on people most in need of protection, aiming to strengthen national dialogue on challenges in the digital space from a human rights perspective.
According to Jordan News Agency, the event examined the impact of digital violence on vulnerable groups and explored ways to develop national responses based on prevention, protection, and accountability in line with international human rights standards.
NCHR Board of Trustees Chairperson Samar Al-Haj Hassan noted that the rapid pace of digital transformation has created new challenges affecting fundamental rights and freedoms, making discussions on digital violence increasingly important. She emphasized the greater impact on people most in need of protection due to limited awareness of online protection mechanisms, difficulties in accessing remedies, and the necessity for tailored safeguards.
Hassan highlighted the importance of strengthening national dialogue and advancing prevention and response measures through a human rights-based approach. She indicated that the seminar is part of the center's participatory approach to developing practical recommendations that can be incorporated into legislation, public policies, and programs addressing the psychological and social consequences of digital violence, as well as protection measures.
Khuloud Shakakhwa, Country Coordinator and Director of the DIHR in Jordan, expressed the institute's appreciation for its longstanding partnership with the NCHR, describing it as a model for cooperation in promoting human rights protection and addressing emerging challenges in the digital environment. She commended the center's efforts to monitor human rights issues and foster national dialogue on digital transformation.
Shakakhwa pointed out that technology-enabled digital violence has emerged as a new form of abuse, underscoring the need for a clearer understanding of the concept in the absence of an agreed definition, as well as greater awareness of its causes and impact on vulnerable groups to support recommendations that enhance human rights protection.
NCHR Protection Commissioner Nahla Momani stated that the center aims to translate the seminar's recommendations into practical measures that enhance protection for vulnerable groups from the risks of digital violence while supporting the development of relevant national policies and response mechanisms. She mentioned that the center will issue a final report documenting the discussions, findings, and recommendations, which will be made available in accessible formats to ensure persons with disabilities can access and benefit from its content equally.
The seminar also addressed the conceptual, legislative, and media dimensions of digital violence, relevant international and national standards, its impact on women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and refugees, as well as its psychological and social consequences, support and protection mechanisms, and the role of national institutions and partners in promoting a safe digital environment based on human rights, equality, and non-discrimination.