Calls for a strategy to protect Arab woman, child

A conference, convened in Amman on November 3-4 to assess the human development report (2002) in the Arab states, called for a strategy to protect women and children in the Arab states.

Participants to the conference, held on the fringes of the Arab woman second summit, recommended the reform of educational systems in Arab states, the setting up of health programs for all social layers and the enforcement of environment-friendly legislation.

The conference voiced backing to the creation of a data base to help decision-makers devise development policies involving public and private sectors.

The participants underscored the necessity to assess the current situation of employment and poverty in the Arab states, find ways to alleviate the burden on lower social classes and to allot more funds to promote social sectors.

They called for the creation of an Arab fund to better consolidate women's training, emphasizing "Zakat" (Islamic alms) as a means of social aid.

The promotion of scientific research was also recommended through the materialization of Arab communication networks. The conference called for giving incentives to attract Arab capital.

Civil freedoms need to be promoted through reforms geared to consolidate citizens' rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law and the independence of justice, said the participants, who called for a larger participation of citizens in transparent political affairs and the setting up of modern equality-prone electoral laws ensuring an active participation of lower classes in the legislative, executive and judiciary branches.