Jordan reaffirms commitment to combating racial discrimination

AMMAN — Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry Khalil Abdallat on Friday stressed that the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, annually marked on March 21, serves as an important reminder to reaffirm the commitment to humanitarian principles.

Abdallat added that the occasion is also an occasion to reject all forms of discrimination and promote justice and equality.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Abdallat noted that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, Jordan remains steadfast in its efforts to fight racial discrimination and foster a culture of tolerance and respect. 

This dedication is reflected in national policies that uphold human rights, encourage intercultural dialogue, and foster social harmony while rejecting hate speech and extremism, Abdallat added. 

He pointed out that the elimination of racial discrimination is a "fundamental" aspect of advancing human rights, adding that discriminatory practices undermine justice and equality, destabilise political and social structures, and hinder sustainable development.

Abdallat pointed out that racial discrimination not only violates individual rights but also reinforces marginalisation, deepening social and economic divides, which hampers growth opportunities and prevents societies from achieving prosperity. 

He also said that racism erodes trust in the rule of law, weakening confidence in legal and judicial institutions and impairing the state's ability to implement laws fairly and transparently.

He stressed that societies that embrace inclusion and equality policies are better positioned to achieve comprehensive development and social stability. 

Abdallat reiterated that Jordan, both regionally and globally, actively promotes values of tolerance and moderation, fostering coexistence through leading initiatives focused on combating racism, addressing hate speech, and advancing inclusive policies.

"Jordan stands out as a model for social justice due to its commitment to international agreements and treaties in this area. National initiatives and legal reforms underscore Jordan's firm stance on ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination in education, employment, and political participation," he said. 

Abdallat added that the Kingdom has strengthened its legal framework to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.

He highlighted that His Majesty and the Crown Prince are deeply committed to spreading values of tolerance and moderation. 

"This commitment is demonstrated through various initiatives, with the Amman Message standing out as a key turning point in promoting tolerance, moderation, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue, while also fighting discrimination, extremism, and protecting the rights of refugees and migrants," Abdallat said.

He noted that the Amman Message has played a "significant" role in advancing tolerance and moderation, underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and rejecting discrimination and extremism. 

This initiative has helped foster understanding between different peoples and supported the integration of diverse groups, aligning with global efforts to combat racial discrimination and promote cultural pluralism, he added.

Abdallat underscored the importance of national and international laws in combating racial discrimination, as these legal frameworks help protect individuals' rights and foster an environment based on equality and justice. 

He emphasised that Jordan is continually evolving its policies and legislation to combat all forms of discrimination, ensuring equality of opportunity in various sectors.

Abdallat reminded that on December 21, 1965, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of human rights. 

He also pointed out that Jordan was among the first nations to ratify the convention and has consistently engaged with relevant international procedures, submitting its periodic reports.