Faisal Al-Fayez, Jordan’s Senate Speaker, criticized Western nations for double standards regarding democracy during a conference in Strasbourg. He emphasized shared responsibility in upholding human rights and the detrimental impact of social media on public freedoms. Al-Fayez condemned Western hypocrisy on Palestinian rights and highlighted the need for a commitment to justice amid growing inequalities threatening democratic institutions.
On Thursday, Faisal Al-Fayez, the Senate Speaker of Jordan, expressed his concerns regarding what he termed as Western “double standards” on democracy and public freedoms during a conference at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. Al-Fayez contended that true democratic values necessitate a commitment to human rights and consistency, emphasizing that democracy is a shared responsibility which should promote citizens’ rights, equality, and social justice. However, he noted that certain Western nations have not uniformly applied these fundamental principles.
The two-day conference addressed various significant topics, including the protection of democracy, freedom of expression, and the contemporary political and security challenges facing the globe. Al-Fayez argued that the sustenance of democracy is dependent on political and security stability and the rejection of selective human rights approaches. He emphasized the importance of supporting international organizations that uphold justice, rather than compromising their fundamental principles for political advantages.
Al-Fayez also shed light on the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, condemning the hypocrisy displayed by Western nations regarding human rights violations. He stated, “The Palestinian people have endured nearly eight decades of suffering under Israeli occupation, and since Oct. 7, 2023, they have been the target of the most horrific acts of aggression.” He highlighted the grave humanitarian impact, noting that “tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded, primarily women and children, have died as a result of this aggression.”
Moreover, he expressed apprehension regarding the use of social media as a tool for disinformation, hate speech, and extremism. While social media was initially seen as a platform promoting public freedoms, Al-Fayez claimed it has instead intensified societal divisions, contributing to political instability. “Social media, which is meant to support freedom of expression…has regrettably added to the problems that democracy faces,” he remarked, pointing out its role in fostering hate speech and electoral manipulation.
Al-Fayez concluded by noting the growing discontent towards democratic institutions, stemming from disparities between the Global North and South, alongside widening social and economic inequalities. He stated, “All of these factors have put democracy and its future through a difficult test.”
In summary, Faisal Al-Fayez’s remarks at the Strasbourg conference emphasized the necessity for consistent human rights application, the shared responsibility of democracy, and the detrimental effects of social media on societal unity. He condemned Western hypocrisy regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine and expressed concerns over growing discontent with democratic institutions. Al-Fayez’s statements called for a commitment to uphold justice and address the inequalities undermining democracy today.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
