The Cultural Association for Post-Release Care recently
organized the "First Arab Conference on Comprehensive Post-Release Care"
at the Royal Cultural Center in Amman. The event was held under the patronage
of Her Excellency, Minister of Culture, Haifa Najjar, in collaboration with the
Public Security Directorate and the Directorate of Public Relations and Media.
In her opening remarks, Minister Najjar emphasized that
despite the challenging circumstances and ongoing deliberate aggression in
Gaza, Jordan remains a beacon of hope, capable of achieving progress and
continuing its path of development and modernization. She highlighted the
Ministry's partnership with the Social Peace Center of the Public Security
Directorate to achieve holistic security, including post-release care aimed at
rehabilitating individuals after their release from correctional facilities.
The first session, moderated by artist Ghadir Haddadin,
featured several key speakers:
- Brigadier
General Falah Al-Majali, Director of the Correction and Rehabilitation
Centers Department, discussed the Directorate's longstanding efforts in
implementing rehabilitation and training programs for inmates. He
emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among all relevant
entities to build upon the programs offered during incarceration, ensuring
effective post-release care at the national level. Al-Majali also noted
that the department recently obtained accreditation as a vocational
training center from the Technical and Vocational Skills Development
Commission, enabling inmates to receive official certifications that
enhance their employment prospects.
- Retired
Major General Dr. Ammar Al-Qudah addressed the issue of recidivism, noting
that a significant percentage of released individuals reoffend due to
societal stigma and lack of employment opportunities. He cited a study by
the Ministry of Justice indicating that between 2013 and 2017, 50% of a
sample group reoffended due to unemployment, and 47% due to societal
stigma. Al-Qudah called for the establishment of a dedicated directorate
within the Ministry of Social Development to oversee post-release care,
focusing on societal reintegration and job placement.
- Brigadier
General Dr. Saed Al-Qatawneh, Director of the Family and Juvenile
Protection Department, highlighted the department's extensive roles
related to family and child welfare. He emphasized the importance of
societal awareness to combat the stigma faced by released individuals,
starting from the family unit.
- Major
Nabil Al-Rawashdeh, representing the Anti-Narcotics Department, discussed
the pervasive issue of drug-related crimes and underscored the necessity
of proactive societal awareness and collaboration among all sectors to
reintegrate rehabilitated individuals.
- Imad
Al-Suhaibah, Director of the Juvenile and Protection Directorate at the Ministry
of Social Development, focused on juvenile offenders, noting that many
reoffend due to societal rejection. He stressed the critical role of
community support in post-release care for juveniles.
The second session included contributions from:
- Retired
Colonel and Lawyer Naseem Bani Fares, who discussed alternative sentencing
and the concept of legal rehabilitation. He pointed out that the waiting
period for legal rehabilitation, ranging from one to three years, can feel
like a secondary punishment for released individuals.
- Retired
Brigadier General Dr. Noufal Al-Azaydeh, who examined the causes of
recidivism, identifying economic challenges and societal stigma as primary
factors. He also highlighted the psychological issues faced by inmates and
the importance of post-release care in addressing these challenges.
- Researcher
Aisha Barhoumeh, who advocated for mandatory social rehabilitation
programs within correctional facilities, similar to compulsory healthcare
services, due to their significance in post-release care.
- Dr.
Manal Al-Zawahreh, Professor of Journalism and Media at Petra University,
discussed the media's role in promoting the concept of post-release care.
She emphasized the need for collective societal efforts to support the
reintegration of former inmates and the importance of media-driven
awareness campaigns.
The conference concluded with Her Excellency Minister Najjar
inaugurating an exhibition showcasing the work of women who have successfully
reintegrated into society. The event also saw active participation from human
rights advocates and was organized with the assistance of volunteers from Petra
University as part of their community service initiatives.
The conference's recommendations and outcomes are set to be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, and the Public Security Directorate for further discussion and implementation.
