JORDAN: Gender-based Violence Training Held
Multiple media outlets reported on 12 June that a graduation ceremony took place at the Family Protection Department, for participants of a training workshop on the prevention and response of gender-based violence cases. This training, which was organized in cooperation with the UNFPA Jordan office, was one of a series of trainings that took place this month for the Family Protection Department staff in different governorates. Speeches were done by the Family Protection Department Director and by UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative Ms. Muna Idris. Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Petra, Alanbat, Alghad
JORDAN: Fifth Session for National Forum on Demographic Opportunity Held
Al Rai reported on 12 June that Al-Rai Research Centre organized a specialized session, in cooperation with the Higher Population Council, entitled “Low interest on vocational & technical work in Jordan.” This session is the 5th in a series of specialized sessions for the National Forum on Demographic Opportunity, slated for September this year and organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Read in Arabic: Al Rai
JORDAN: Seminar Held on Preparing for Demographic Window of Opportunity
Al-Rai reported on 5 June that the Al Rai Centre for Research organized a seminar on the "Effective preparation for the demographic window of opportunity” in cooperation with the Higher Population Council and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The seminar was one of a series of preparatory sessions for the National Forum on Demographic Opportunity, slated for September this year and organized by the UNFPA. Representatives from the Development and Recruitment Fund, the Enhanced Productivity Centres project, the Higher Health Council, the Awqaf Ministry, the Royal Medical Services, the Ministry of Health, the Jordan River Foundation and the Jordan Investment Board attended the seminar. Read in Arabic: Al Rai
JORDAN: Youth Initiatives in Zatri Camp
Petra News Agency and Al-Madina News Agency reported on 4 June on the beginning of interactive initiatives and activities done by Syrian young people (18-24) in supervision and cooperation with Y-PEER Jordan and the UNFPA Jordan office. These initiatives are the result of intensive training sessions and activities done by the Y-Peers to train a number of Syrian young girls and boys on different important issues, such as reproductive health, gender-based violence, how to cope and deal in emergency settings, etc. Read in Arabic: Petra News Agency and Al-Madina News Agency
JORDAN: Seminar on Economic Participation of Women Held
Al Rai reported on 30 May that the Al Rai Center for Research, in cooperation with the Higher Population Council, has organized a seminar on the "Economic participation for women in Jordan,” as part of a series of preparatory sessions for the National Forum on Demographic opportunity, which is planned for September and organized in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan. During the session, participants acknowledged that the gender gap for the economic participation of females compared with males is still high. Read in Arabic: Al Rai
JORDAN: Family Planning Services are a Human Right
The Jordan Times published on 29 May, an interview, done by its reporter, with UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, at the Women Deliver 2013 Conference. Dr. Osotimehin said that countries will not achieve the desired demographic transition if they do not take the appropriate steps by providing good quality education, comprehensive reproductive health education and access to family planning services. Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Al Rai Research Center Organizes Seminar on Demographic Opportunity
Al Rai and the Jordan Times reported on 28 and 29 May, that the Al Rai Center for Research in cooperation with the Higher Population Council has organized a seminar on “demographic opportunity,” as part of a series of preparatory sessions for the National Forum on Demographic Opportunity, which is planned for September and organized in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan. Participants from different institutions (private / public) attended the session. Read in Arabic: Al Rai Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Reproductive Health Should be Major Part of Post-2015 Development Agenda
The Jordan Times published on 21 May, an article on reproductive health in Jordan and its effect in achieving the MDGs and preparing for the Post-2015 development agenda. The article includes an interview with UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative Ms. Muna Idris, who stressed that reproductive health is an essential right for all females and an important component in the post-2015 development agenda. Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Exclusive Interview with UNFPA Head
Al Ghad published on 17 April an exclusive interview with UNFPA Executive Director, to talk about his impressions and feedback after visiting Al-Zatri Camp for Syrian refugees and meeting with Jordanian officials. Read in Arabic: Al Ghad
JORDAN: Minister of Foreign Affairs & Expatriates Meets UNFPA Executive Director
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 and 16 April that Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA executive director, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and expatriate Naser Judeh, where Dr. Osotimehin reiterated the UNFPA’s support for Jordan as a host country. Read in English and Arabic: Petra 1, Petra 2, Al Rai, Addustour, Alghad, Alarabalyawm, Elsaba7
JORDAN : UNFPA Executive Director Visits Al-Za’tri Camp for Refugees
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 and 16 on the visit of UNFPA's Executive Director to Za'tri camp for Syrian refugees in Al Mafraq. Dr. Osotimehin toured, with ECHO’s DG Mr. Jean Louis De Brower, the recently established third site for UNFPA in Za’tri which is called “The Comprehensive Women Centre." This new centre includes a reproductive health clinic operated by the Jordan Health Aid Society (JHAS), and a training centre for young people, in addition to a women and girl's space operated by the Institute for Family Health (IFH). Dr. Babatunde interacted with the young girls in the site and asked them about the services and trainings they are receiving. Read in Arabic and English: Petra 1, Petra 2, Bloomberg, Ammon News, Maqar, Urdoni, Jordan Times 1, Jordan Times 2, Alarabalyawm, Al Rai, Saudi Gazette, Relief Web, Breitbart, Msader News, Addustour, Edigear, Menara, Shaab News
JORDAN: UNFPA Executive Director Meets with Officials
Multiple media outlets reported on 14 and 15 April that UNFPA Executive director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin met with high level officials and ministers of the Jordanian government to discuss the situation of Syrian refugees in the country. He expressed appreciation for Jordan's support to the Syrians and hospitality to Syrians seeking refuge despite the very heavy strain this was putting on the country's resources. Dr. Osotimehin also stressed the importance of the health and concerns of women and youth and voiced UNFPA's readiness to support the ministries in providing support and services to Syrians especially in reproductive and maternal health issues. Read in Arabic and English: Petra 1, Petra 2, Petra 3, Alanbat 1, Almadenah News, Fana News, Jordan Times, Alghad 1, Alghad 2, Al Rai, Alarabalyawm, Addustour 1, Addustour 2, JFRA News, Alanbat 2
JORDAN: Fertility Rate Drops 50% Since 1976
The Jordan Times on 28 March reported that according to a nationwide survey, the fertility rate saw a 50 per cent drop in Jordan between the years 1976 and 2012. The Jordan Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS) for the year 2012 showed that the fertility rate per Jordanian woman dropped from 7.6 children in 1976 to 3.5 children per woman in 2012. The survey, conducted by the Department of Statistics (DoS) and funded by the government, USAID, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, found that the highest fertility rate in 2012 was in Jerash with 4.3 children per woman, followed by both Mafraq and Maan with 4.1 fertility rates.
JORDAN: HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal Patronizes Opening of National Youth Consultation Meeting
Multiple media outlets on 14-15 March reported on the opening of the “National Youth Consultation Meeting: The World We Want Post 2015.” The event was patronized by Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Good Will Ambassador. The meeting, organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Jordan and in partnership with the Higher Council for Youth, was attended by 100 young people and is a result of a series of consultations that UNFPA has facilitated which aimed at raising the voice of youth in shaping the world development agenda post ICPD and MDG. It is one of a number of UN- led consultations in the country on the shape of the post 2015 global development agendas.
The main purpose of the meeting was to have a forum with youth to express their perspectives and views towards the “future they want post 2015” within the global context. Speeches by HRH Princess Basma, UN Resident Coordinator and the President of the Higher Council for Youth were done. Also a creative presentation was done, by the Jordan Assistant Representative, on the objectives of this important meeting and the broad linkages between the post ICPD consultations and the post 2015 development agenda outlines of the national and global consultations post 2015.
This consultation is being documented using innovative youth-led approaches. In addition to the participants in the consultation; youth all over Jordan will be able to participate virtually through twitter, facebook and other social media networks. Read in Arabic/English: Petra, Cleopatra News, Flickr, Alanbat, Almadenah News, Al Rai, Addustour, Jordan Times, Alghad, Alarabalyawm
JORDAN: Awareness Campaigns to Address Syrians in Country
Different media outlets reported on 26 to 28 February that The Institute for Family Health (IFH) in support of and cooperation with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, are conducting campaigns directed at individuals from different groups (women, men, youth and children) in three targeted areas: Za’tri,Cyber City and Kind Abduallah Park, utilizing a variety of interactive participatory techniques.
The campaign includes a variety of activities to address different needs like eye and hearing examinations, and awareness sessions on specific issues related to women and girls such as gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive health (RH) and breast feeding. In addition, interactive entertaining theatre shows are done for children. Teachers, community leaders, and NGOs staff are always heavily involved to ensure active participation and integration of Syrians within their communities. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al Rai, Almadenah News, Ammon News Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Delegation from EU Meets National Migration Committee at Higher Population Council
Multiple media outlets reported on 27 February that a delegation from the EU has met the national migration committee, formulated by the Higher Population Council (HPC), to discuss ways of improving database and information system on migration.
The participants discussed the recommendations and results of the “Analytical Report on the Migration Data in Jordan 2012,” which was done by the Higher Population Council in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan. This was the first national report to analyze the migration data. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al Rai, Addustour, Al Arabalyawm, Almadenah News
JORDAN: 2,000 Births in 3 Months in Za’tri Camp
Al Rai published on 20 February, a statement by Dr. Shible Sahbani, UNFPA emergency specialist, on the number of births occurring in Al-Zatri camp for Syrians fleeing to Jordan. Dr. Sahbani said that there are 800-900 deliveries on a monthly basis in the camp. Regarding a question on the domestic violence in the camp, Dr. Sahbani said that there are some cases of domestic violence and they are being transferred to official related parties to get counseling and help.Dr. Shible added that UNFPA Jordan continues to provide RH & GBV services in 6 Jordanian governorates. Read in Arabic: Al Rai
JORDAN: Higher Population Council to Participate in Intl Dubai Conference
Multiple media outlets reported on 28 and 29 January that the Higher Population Council in Jordan is participating in a two-day high level conference on saving the lives of mothers and children to achieve the fourth and fifth MDGs. This conference is organized by UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF, and will be attended by high levels from the mentioned organizations in addition to delegates from the middle east. Read in Arabic and English: Petra, Jordan Times, Alghad, Addustour, Almadenah News, Almadenah News, Rasseen
JORDAN: Training Workshops for Young Syrians in Za’tri Refugee Camp
The DW news agency published on 26 December an article on Y-Peer and UNFPA activities to raise awareness for Syrian young men and women in the Za’tri refugee camp in Jordan.
The article talked about the latest training, which was conducted by the Jordanian Y-Peerians in cooperation with UNFPA, that aimed to prepare 40 young people aged between 17 to 24 to be advocates and trainers to help their peers in living and coping in emergency humanitarian settings.
This innovative training was the first in the country and region as well. It focused on raising the awareness of this vulnerable group on different essential issues, such as general health and reproductive health. Also they taught them how to deal with each other and how to live in the camp setting, how to increase their self esteem and leadership characteristics, and educated them on the concept of conflict resolution.
Ms. Dareen Abu Lail, Y-Peer Jordan Coordinator, was interviewed and explained the objective and methodology of these trainings and stressed the importance of the right ways to transfer correct scientific information. Read in Arabic: DW
JORDAN: Open Day at the Women and Girl Space in Za’tri Camp
Al-Rai, Petra, Al-Madina and Hasad News Agencies reported on 12 and 13 December on the opening of the new women and girl’s space in Za’tri by UNFPA , UN Women, IFH and Intersos. For the first time in the camp, a day was organized to celebrate the opening of this new oasis, in which many interactive activities were conducted, such as an exhibition of different handmade jewelry and embroidery that Syrian women and men did during sessions conducted by UNFPA and Noor Al-Hussein Foundation. Read in Arabic: Petra, Al-Rai, Al-Madina
JORDAN: Women’s Learning Centre Opened
Jordan Times on 11 December reported that a women’s “safe haven” and learning centre was opened at the Zaatari Refugee Camp. “This oasis provides a friendly and safe environment for them to meet up and learn new skills," said Muna Idris, assistant representative of the UNFPA. UNFPA is a key partner in the endeavor.
JORDAN: Delegation from UNFPA/HQ Visited Al-Za’tri Camp for Syrian Refugees
Multiple media outlets reported on 10 and 11 December that a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund has conducted a visit to Al-Za'tri camp for Syrian refugees, Cyber City and King Abdallah Park to see the situation in the camp and to check on all services provided by UNFPA Jordan to the Syrians. The delegation, consisting of UNFPA Programme Director Mr. Mabingue Ngom, UNFPA Regional Deputy Director Ms. Ahe Sue Genvieve, and the Emergency advisor Dr. Henia Dakkak, accompanied by Mrs. Muna Mohmmad Idris, UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative, visited UNFPA sites in the camps and checked on the development of health and psychosocial services UNFPA and its partners are providing.
Mr. Ngom met some of the beneficiaries of UNFPA services and the service providers, to discuss ways of increasing and enhancing the services in the camps. He commended the services provided for Syrians in all sites in Jordan, stressing that UNFPA is working closely with local authorities in all countries hosting Syrian refugees to ensure the availability of and access to reproductive health care services.
Mr. Mabingue also added that over 11,621 health care services/consultations were provided to Syrians in the camps, and that UNFPA has distributed more than 7,138 dignity kits containing hygiene items and clothing benefiting more than 35,690 Syrian women and men.
Mrs. Muna Idris, UNFPA Assistant Representative, said that UNFPA currently chairs the Reproductive Health (RH) sub-working group, whose members represent the Ministry of Health, NGOs and other UN agencies, to work on coordinating the efforts of all parties involved in the provision of reproductive health services to the Syrians.
Mrs. Idris also said that UNFPA will continue to provide medical and humanitarian services for the Syrians, through cooperation with government institutions and non-governmental organization; adding that UNFPA estimates the total cost of these continuous services for the first six months of the year 2013 to be around 2.9 million dollars. Read in Arabic: Petra, Jordan Times, Al-Rai, Ad Dustour, Elaph, Hasadjo, Almadenah News
JORDAN: Y-Peers Conduct Training in Za’tri
Multiple media outlets reported on 5 and 6 December that the Y-Peer network in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan has conducted a 5-day training for Syrian young people in Al-Za’tri Camp in Mafraq. The training prepared 40 young people, aged 17 to 24, to be advocates and trainers to help their peers in living and coping in emergency humanitarian settings.
This innovative training is the first in the country and region. It focused on raising the awareness of this vulnerable group on different essential issues, reproductive health in particular. Also they taught them how to deal with each other and how to live in the camp setting, how to increase their self esteem and leadership characteristics, and educated them on the concept of conflict resolution. Read in Arabic: Petra News Agency, Fana News, Kolal Arab, Addustour, Al Rai, Almadenah News
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2012 REPORT
JORDAN: All local newspapers and multi news agencies reported on 28 November on the launch of the 35th State World Population report 2012 in Jordan, which took place under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, UNFPA Good Will ambassador.
The ceremony, which was attended by very high level people and partners, contains a speech by HRH Princess Basma who emphasized the importance of family planning, saying “when a woman exercises her reproductive rights, she is more likely to demand other rights in areas concerning health, education and employment.”
A Speech by the United Nations resident Coordinator in Jordan, Ms. Costanza Farina, was done followed by presenting the report to the Princess. Ms. Muna Idris, UNFPA Jordan Assistant Representative, made a presentation to brief the audience on the main highlights of the current report, specially that the report clarifies why family planning is a human right and what this means for individuals in both developing and developed countries. At the end of the ceremony, HRH Princess Basma honored UNFPA Partners, from different governmental institutions, NGOs and media people, who worked with UNFPA in achieving the Seventh Country Programme (2008-2012) signed by UNFPA and the Government of Jordan. Read in Arabic and English: Al Rai, Addustour, Petra, Petra, Jordan Times and Al Ararab Alyawm
SWAZILAND: The Times of Swaziland reported on 20 November that the UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Hassan Mohtashami, is requesting that the government of Swaziland improve its logistics in the rolling out of contraceptives. Dr. Mohtashami noted this during the launch of the State of the World Population Report held at the Royal Swazi Sun, He further noted that Swaziland had more than enough contraceptives in store and it was a concern that they were many people who had no access to contraceptives.
The Times of Swaziland on 20November, reported that the unavailability of contraceptives is high among rural, uneducated and poor women. The Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi, made these remarks during the launch of the State of the World Population Report 2012. The Minister said that 26% of rural women had no access to contraceptives as opposed to 20% of urban folk.
JORDAN: UNFPA Promotes Reproductive Rights in Work of National Human Rights Institutions
Multiple media outlets reported on 8 November that UNFPA organized a special event to promote the engagement of national human rights institutions with the protection of reproductive rights. This event took place as part of the 11th International Coordination Committee Conference of National Human Rights Institutions under the theme of “Human rights of women and girls: promoting gender equality.” The event featured the innovative experience developed by some national human rights institutions in protecting reproductive rights and advocating for legal and policy change. Read in Arabic: Al Ghad, Addustour, Al Arabalyawm, Petra News Agency
JORDAN: UNFPA Helps Raise Sexual Health Awareness
Al-Rai reported on 8 November that a Syrian women assisted her neighbor in giving birth to her son. Immediately after giving birth, she was diagnosed by UNFPA/JHAS gynecologist Dr. Rima Dyab, who assured that both mother and baby are in good health. The gynecologist also said that in addition to the health care services provided in UNFPA/JHAS, the clinic also deliver messages and raise awareness on RH/FP/Psychosocial issues. Read in Arabic: Al-Rai
JORDAN : Nutrition Assessment of Syrian Refugees Underway
The Jordan Times reported on 8 November that UNICEF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA and WFP are conducting a nutrition assessment of Syrian Refugees residing in host communities across the Kingdom and the Zaatri refugee camp. The assessment will evaluate the health condition of Syrian refugees, especially females aged between 15 and 49 years and children. Read in English: Jordan Times
JORDAN: Workshop on RH issues for Y-Peers
Petra News Agency reported on 8 November that Y-Peer Jordan, in cooperation with Princess Basma Youth Center and with the support of UNFPA Jordan, conducted a training workshop on reproductive health issues. Different subjects were tackled such as health education, puberty, reproductive and sexual health main issues focusing on HIV/AIDs. Read in Arabic: Petra News Agency
JORDAN: UNFPA Activities Help Syrian Women Cope with Camp Life
Multiple media outlets on 7 and 8 November reported on the activities UNFPA Jordan and its partners are holding for Syrians in the camps. UNFPA is providing a safe area for women and young girls and even men with a different, special activity/session every day in addition to the women’s health clinic where health care services, pre and post natal care is provided for Syrian women. Around 700 women have visited the clinic so far. Read in Arabic: Petra News Agency, Al Rai, Fana News, Almadenah News, Urdoni News, Jordan Times, Hasadjo
JORDAN: Launch of the Analytical Report on Migration Data in Jordan
Multiple outlets reported on 6 November that the country has launched the first analytical report on migration data in Jordan. These reports were prepared by the Higher Population Council in cooperation with UNFPA Jordan. The reports were intended to produce reliable data on migration through electronic databases for all concerned institutions who are producing migration related data and amending rules and regulations to improve it. The reports also are meant to enhance coordination and national efforts to improve linkages between migration and development. Read in Arabic: Al Rai, Al Ghad, Al Arabalyawm, Petra News Agency and Addustour