Barran Press
The Arab Observatory for Human Rights has taken a significant step forward with the formation of a new Arab partnership for human rights work, according to Yemeni Member of Parliament and Arab Parliament member, Alwi Al-Basha bin Zaba'.
Speaking to media outlets, bin Zaba' highlighted the launch of a new phase for the Observatory following the completion of its initial establishment phase. This new phase includes the approval of its bylaws, the establishment of specialized committees, and the formation of a new council.
Bin Zaba' emphasized that the Arab Observatory now represents a collaborative effort among Arab nations to address human rights issues, working alongside existing Arab institutions within the Arab League.
He participated in the first meeting of the Arab Observatory for Human Rights' Board of Trustees on June 8, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt, presided over by Arab Parliament President and Board of Trustees Chairman, Adel Al-Assoumi.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), bin Zaba', also the head of the Arab Parliament's Human Rights Committee, expressed his support for the Observatory's efforts to "serve human rights in the Arab world, build constructive and creative cooperation with the international community on human rights issues, and collaborate with relevant organizations, institutions, and stakeholders."
Bin Zaba''s involvement with the Arab Observatory dates back to December 10, 2020, when he was elected chair of the Arab Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee. The Arab Parliament stated at the time that the newly formed committee aimed to contribute to improving the human rights situation in the Arab region and to review and evaluate Arab legislation to improve it.
The Arab Observatory for Human Rights, launched by the Arab Parliament on February 22, 2021, is a new tool in the Arab human rights system. Its mission is to monitor and document human rights conditions in Arab countries, support national efforts, and coordinate initiatives aimed at building a culture of respect for human rights, promoting and defending them, and addressing obstacles within individual Arab countries and the Arab world as a whole.
The Observatory is also developing the "Arab Human Rights Index," a conceptual and methodological framework for indicators that can be applied and contextualized at the national and Arab regional levels. The conceptual and methodological framework proposed by the Arab Parliament adopts a shared approach to identifying indicators for monitoring civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights.