Gov’t to conduct continuous consultations in lead-up to UPR — Tarawneh

AMMAN — The Government Coordinator for Human Rights Basil Tarawneh, on Sunday said that there will be ongoing consultations on Jordan’s national report for the Human Rights Council in Geneva before the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on November 8, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Tarawneh added that Jordan’s 3rd report on human rights is “realistic and transparent”, adding that the government conducts continuous dialogue and partnerships with all concerned bodies.

He also said that Jordan’s 3rd report for the UPR includes four main chapters: consultation methodology, recent developments in human rights, the implementation of the recommendations and challenges that Jordan faces, as well as Jordan’s vision for the field.

Tarawneh added that the extended consultation process is an example of the seriousness of the state to involve all concerned parties and local civil institutions in developing human rights in Jordan.

He added that the report included national and governmental efforts on essential issues, which are related to woman’s rights; especially, the termination of Article 308 of the Penal Code, stressing the protection of women and children from violence and trafficking.  

The report also included the protection of disability rights through improving the living standards of those with disabilities and increasing their access to public facilities, the coordinator said. 

Concerning detention and the crime of torture, the report stressed the need for rehabilitating temporary detention centres and improving the quality of the service that the detainees receive.

The report also highlighted the importance of speech and freedom of opinion, affirming that “Promoting the protection of the right of opinion and freedom of expression” was in included as the 7th goal of the national comprehensive plan for human rights.