Jordan’s Senate Speaker Faisal Al-Fayez criticized Western nations for their double standards on democracy during a Strasbourg conference. He emphasized the need for consistent human rights commitments and political stability. He highlighted the plight of Palestinians and condemned the negative impact of social media on democracy, calling for unity and respect for international norms.
On Thursday, Faisal Al-Fayez, the Speaker of Jordan’s Senate, addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, accusing Western nations of employing double standards in their approach to democracy and public freedoms. Al-Fayez emphasized that genuine democratic values necessitate unwavering commitment to human rights, asserting that democracy is a collective responsibility that should ensure the rights and equality of citizens.
Al-Fayez pointed out that certain Western countries have not consistently upheld the principles of democracy and public freedom. He stated, “The reality confirms that the West has begun to adopt a policy of double standards regarding issues of public freedoms and democratic practice.”
The two-day conference aims to discuss various important subjects such as the protection of democracy, freedom of expression, and the challenges posed by current political and security dynamics. Al-Fayez stressed that sustaining democracy depends on political stability, security, and the rejection of selective human rights practices.
He called for a concerted effort to defend international organizations that promote justice and to refrain from manipulating their principles for political gain. Al-Fayez stated, “We must implement international legitimacy resolutions pertaining to people’s rights to freedom and independence, reject racism and sectarianism, and respect minorities’ rights while also working to strengthen common cultural and civilizational denominators among peoples.”
Addressing the Israeli occupation’s impact on Palestinians, he criticized the perceived hypocrisy of Western nations in addressing human rights violations, highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people under occupation. He noted that since October 7, 2023, there has been extensive aggression against Palestinians, with significant casualties, including women and children.
Furthermore, Al-Fayez expressed concern about social media’s role in fostering disinformation, hate speech, and extremism, which has undermined public freedoms. He remarked, “Social media, which is meant to support freedom of expression, freedom of publication, and public freedoms, has regrettably added to the problems that democracy faces,” highlighting how it exacerbates societal divisions and instability.
He also pointed to increasing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions, rooted in economic and technological divides between the Global North and South, alongside escalating social inequalities. Al-Fayez concluded by stating, “All of these factors have put democracy and its future through a difficult test.”
In conclusion, Faisal Al-Fayez’s statements at the Parliamentary Assembly strongly criticize the inconsistency of Western nations regarding democracy and human rights. He advocates for universal commitment to these values and emphasizes the need for political stability and international cooperation. His remarks notably highlight the plight of Palestinians and the detrimental effects of social media on democratic discourse, suggesting that urgent attention is required to navigate the current challenges facing democratic institutions globally.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
