King urges joint efforts to enhance human rights record

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday expressed his pride in the country's compliance with human rights and his commitment to further promoting them to reflect the aspirations of the Jordanian people in accordance with best international practices.  

Receiving the annual report on the conditions of human rights in Jordan in 2014, King Abdullah said all concerned parties, public and private, should work together to build on the previous accomplishments in the field of civil, political and social rights, according to a Royal Court statement. 

At a meeting with the National Centre for Human Rights’ (NCHR) Board of Trustees and President Mohammad Adnan Al Bakhit at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King voiced his appreciation and support for the role of the NCHR and other national institutions in raising  awareness on human rights and efforts to foster them.  

The King also stressed the importance of boosting institutionalised work whilst maintaining openness and transparency in preparing related reports. He reaffirmed his support for the government’s programmes and plans to continue safeguarding civil and human rights.  

Bakhit, who presented the human rights report to King Abdullah, highlighted its focus  on the  civil, political, social and economic rights in Jordan and the manner in which the NCHR dealt with the complaints it had received, in cooperation with various stakeholders. 

At the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan, and NCHR Chief Commissioner Mousa Burayzat, Bakhit outlined the positive and negative points that the centre recorded in 2014 in various areas, highlighting its plan to  examine all aspects of the report and move forward accordingly.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, following the meeting, Bakhit pointed out that the report covers all  key aspects of the Jordanian  people’s life.

The report covers public life, legislative conditions, the situation of detention facilities and prisoners, administrative detention centres and the role of administrative officials.    

The report, which will be released at a press conference on Monday, includes details on the issue of freedoms, especially the freedom of expression, press freedom and the right to access information, he pointed out. 

It also deals with the situation of higher and compulsory education, and the problems that should be dealt with at the national level in this sector, he  concluded.