Jordan’s Senate Speaker Critiques Western Double Standards on Democracy

Jordan’s Senate Speaker, Faisal Al-Fayez, criticized Western nations for their inconsistent application of democratic and human rights standards at a conference in Strasbourg. He addressed issues such as the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the dangers of social media in spreading disinformation, and the impact of global economic disparities on democratic institutions.

At a conference in Strasbourg, Jordan’s Senate Speaker, Faisal Al-Fayez, criticized Western nations for their “double standards” regarding democracy and human rights. He emphasized that genuine democratic values necessitate consistency in the application of human rights principles and underscored that democracy should be a shared responsibility fostering citizens’ rights, equality, and social justice. Al-Fayez pointed out that many Western countries do not uniformly uphold these ideals.

The two-day Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe conference will address critical issues, including protecting democracy and freedom of expression amid ongoing global political and security challenges. Al-Fayez asserted that sustaining democracy hinges on political and security stability, while condemning selective human rights approaches. He urged a commitment to upholding international organizations and rejecting political exploitation of their principles.

Specifically, he highlighted the plight of Palestinians, lamenting Western hypocrisy concerning human rights violations amid the Israeli occupation. Al-Fayez stated: “The Palestinian people have endured nearly eight decades of suffering under Israeli occupation… Tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded, primarily women and children, have died as a result of this aggression.”

Additionally, Al-Fayez raised concerns regarding social media’s role in spreading disinformation and extremist rhetoric. He noted that although these platforms were initially designed to support free expression, they have instead fomented societal divisions and political instability. He stated: “Social media… has regrettably added to the problems that democracy faces. It has encouraged hate speech, bigotry, violence… and disinformation campaigns to rig elections.”

Finally, he addressed the growing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions due to economic and technological inequalities, particularly between the Global North and South, warning that these issues pose significant challenges to the future of democracy. He remarked: “All of these factors have put democracy and its future through a difficult test.”

In conclusion, Faisal Al-Fayez’s remarks at the Strasbourg conference underscore a critical evaluation of Western nations’ commitment to democracy and human rights. He called for a consistent application of democratic principles, highlighted the plight of Palestinians under occupation, and cautioned against the adverse effects of social media on societal cohesion. Al-Fayez’s insights emphasize the need for sustained political stability and a genuine commitment to addressing global inequalities in the preservation and flourishing of democracy.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com