The Amman-based Community Media Network held its fifth annual Human Rights Bazar at the Regency Palace Hotel Thursday. The event co-sponsored at attended by the Swedish Embassy drew twenty-three local and international NGOs concerned with issues of human rights. Hundreds of citizens and residents of Jordan visited the all-day event as did a large number of private schools. Efforts to bring public school children were marred with delays and bureaucracy. Attendees were able to meet and engage with human rights workers and learn more about their own rights as guaranteed in Jordan’s constitution and the many international covenants signed and adopted by the Kingdom of Jordan.

Espen Lindbaek the Norwegian ambassador to Jordan said that his country’s top priority is to support human rights defenders. He also spoke passionately about the need to empower women in Jordan. “When his majesties were in Jordan three years ago, Her Majesty said that the economic empowerment of women was a key instrument of Norway’s success long before the discovery of oil.”

Human rights activists, local and international civil society staff and diplomats including the Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Rydmark also attended.

Daoud Kuttab director general of the Community Media Network said that the annual event has become a key instrument in raising awareness among Jordanians and residents of Jordan. ‘Since the majority of the population in Jordan is young, we have decided to give special attention to inviting students from local schools and universities to attend and to engage with NGOs.” Kuttab called this year’s event the most successful in terms of participation of human rights organizations and the public.

Community Medi Network a not-for-profit media NGO was established in 2007 and its chair is Dr. Muhamad Al Azzeh the director general of the Higher Council for Persons with Disabilities.