Human Rights Statement
Official Media Spokesperson of the Human Rights International Organization
Human rights organizations and concerned institutions are closely following the performance of the local administration in the Capital Governorate, as well as the observations and testimonies received regarding the mechanisms used in dealing with cases involving young people. The manner in which state institutions deal with this segment of society is an important indicator of the commitment to the principles of the rule of law, justice, and human dignity.
In this context, we are closely monitoring the approach adopted by Capital Governor Yasser Al-Adwan in dealing with a number of cases, including what appears to be an emphasis on examining cases professionally, listening to the parties involved, and considering their individual circumstances and backgrounds. This reflects the importance of having a local administration that addresses cases not solely from a security or administrative perspective, but within a broader framework that takes into consideration the legal, social, and human dimensions.
Human rights organizations do not view young people merely as parties to cases or alleged violations. Rather, they are an essential component of society, and the approach toward them should be based on the principles of rehabilitation, prevention, and reintegration, while ensuring legal accountability whenever a violation is established, without compromising human dignity or fundamental rights.
From this perspective, we emphasize that the rule of law does not merely mean enforcing the law; it also means applying it fairly and proportionately, respecting legal procedures and safeguards, and taking into consideration the individual circumstances of each case.
Furthermore, regardless of the nature of the powers granted to an administrative authority, such powers must remain subject to the law and human rights standards. Any measure taken against a citizen should have a clear legal basis and must be necessary and proportionate to the legitimate purpose it seeks to achieve.
These principles become even more significant when young people are involved, as an administrative decision or measure taken against a young person may affect not only their present circumstances, but also their educational, professional, social, and family future.
Accordingly, we believe that a professional approach based on examining each case individually, listening to the persons concerned, verifying the facts, and distinguishing between different circumstances represents a positive practice that should be strengthened and further developed.
At the same time, human rights monitoring is not based on issuing premature judgments or granting public officials immunity from criticism. Rather, it is based on continuous monitoring, objective assessment, and transparency.
Accordingly, we encourage the Capital Governorate to continue developing its mechanisms for dealing with youth-related cases, strengthening dialogue and listening, activating rehabilitative alternatives where permitted by law, and ensuring that any measures restricting liberty or rights remain within the limits established by law and comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality.
We also call for stronger communication channels between the local administration and young people, and for more effective spaces where their concerns and challenges can be heard. Addressing the underlying causes of problems before they develop into legal cases is one of the most important forms of community protection and human rights prevention.
We emphasize that human rights and the rule of law do not conflict with the authority of the state; rather, respect for rights is one of the most important foundations of that authority.
A strong state is not one that exercises its authority to the greatest possible extent, but one that understands the limits of its authority, applies the law fairly, protects society, and at the same time preserves human dignity.
From this perspective, the positive observations we have received regarding professionalism in dealing with certain cases in the Capital Governorate represent an indicator worthy of continued monitoring and assessment. At the same time, any human rights observations or complaints should remain subject to institutional review and transparent investigation, because human rights oversight is not a confrontation with the state; it is an essential partner in developing state institutions and strengthening citizens’ trust in them.
We believe that protecting young people from marginalization, delinquency, and exclusion cannot be achieved through punishment alone. It requires an integrated approach based on justice, education, opportunities, dialogue, rehabilitation, and fair legal accountability.
Ultimately, the true measure of success for any administrative official lies not only in their ability to maintain order, but in their ability to strike a balance between the requirements of public order and human rights, and between the authority of the law and the dignity of the citizen.
This is the approach that we should continue to advocate for, monitor, and support whenever institutional practices contribute to strengthening it.
Dr. Thamer Alabadi
Official Media Spokesperson
Human Rights International Organization
عن المؤلف
