UNDP, Japan promote human security for vulnerable people in Jordan 

AMMAN — The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) met with representatives from the Government of Jordan on Sunday to discuss the concept of human security and how it can be contextualised to address the needs and vulnerabilities of local communities, according to a UNDP statement.

In March 2021, the Government of Japan contributed $3 million to UNDP’s project “Preventing online radicalisation and enhancing community security to mitigate socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in Jordan”. 

This project aims at building community resilience and promoting citizen’s engagement and civil society’s response capacity to crisis while strengthening the linkage within communities and between citizens and the government. 

The project focuses on preventing the risk of violent extremism, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting social stabilisation through an integrated and people-centred approach. The project is envisaged to improve social cohesion, community security and livelihoods of vulnerable community members in Jordan, the statement said.

Embracing the coordination efforts among the various key stakeholders and partners and the government’s commitment to the project, the event was organised to introduce the scope and approach of the new project as well as take stock of  progress gained through predecessor phases promoting the concept of human security in Jordan. 

During the event, the participants also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on human’s security, particularly among the vulnerable population and communities, and how the Government of Jordan, UNDP and the Government of Japan can accelerate their efforts to addressing most pressing needs and building back sustainably in contribution to the 2030 Agenda.

Minister of State for Follow-up and Government Coordination, and Chairperson of the National P/CVE Committee, Nawaf Tall said: “The Government of Jordan believes the concept of human security and its localised approach is extremely important when tackling the many challenges people are facing in Jordan, especially as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. In this regard, the Government of Jordan would like to thank the Government of Japan for their support to Jordan and their ongoing partnership with UNDP to advance Jordan’s national efforts in providing people with lives free from fear, want and indignity.”

Shimazaki Kaoru, the ambassador of Japan to Jordan, stated that it is significantly important to build community-based resilience in order to support young vulnerable citizens through providing them with safe space, where they can feel socially included and protected.

“I believe that strengthening social cohesion is one of the key elements for the prevention of radicalisation and hope that this project helps to improve the living environment for the youth and women in a timely manner,” he said.

Sara Ferrer Olivella, UNDP Resident Representative,  said: “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact many countries, communities and individuals, UNDP embraces a human security approach to reach, protect and empower those most vulnerable who continue to be adversely affected by multi vulnerabilities and inequalities. We hope this project will contribute to strengthening community resilience to recover from current challenges and prepare for future crises.”