AMMAN - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday met senior Jordanian officials, as well as representatives of the National Centre for Human Rights and civil society during a one-day visit to the Kingdom.
Türk noted Jordan's important role in the region, including in relation to the occupied Palestinian territory. In particular, he acknowledged the country's critical leadership as a major refugee hosting country and in advocating for respect for international humanitarian law.
"Jordan is a much-needed pillar of stability in a boiling region, and it is important for the country to continue to advance human rights and humanitarian efforts, both domestically and across the Middle East," Türk said.
During the visit, the High Commissioner met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Social Development, as well as the National Centre for Human Rights and civil society. He recognised the Government's reform efforts, including on gender equality and disability rights, as well as its willingness to acknowledge the gaps that need to be filled in the broader human rights agenda.
The High Commissioner encouraged further strengthening of judicial independence and fair trial guarantees. He also called for ending the use of administrative detention, strengthening judicial oversight, and ensuring the conformity of legislation, including the Cybercrime Law, with international human rights law; and that it is not applied in a way that unduly restricts human rights.
"I am concerned about the recent resumption of executions, which runs contrary to the global trend towards abolishing the death penalty," the UN Human Rights Chief added. "I have urged the Jordanian authorities to reconsider this, and to establish in the first instance a formal moratorium on executions."
Türk acknowledged the introduction of the National Social Protection Strategy 2025-2033 as an important step toward strengthening the social protection architecture in Jordan. At the same time, he called on international donor community to ensure continued funding for refugees and host communities in Jordan.
In his discussions with civil society representatives, the UN Human Rights Chief said his Office would continue to advocate for ensuring an enabling environment for meaningful participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
"In my meeting with civil society, I heard concerns about gaps in practical implementation of reforms, in addition to restrictions on civic space. These need to be addressed," said the High Commissioner.
He invited all stakeholders, including Government offices, international organisations, civil society, academia, and the private sector, to engage with the recently launched Global Alliance for Human Rights to foster dialogue, promote cooperation, and mobilise support for human rights priorities worldwide.
