PSD director reiterates Kingdom's commitment to inmate rehabilitation, human rights standards

AMMAN — Public Security Directorate (PSD) Director Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah on Wednesday attended a roundtable discussion addressing detention and prison overcrowding in the MENA region. 

The event, organised by Penal Reform International and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in cooperation with the PSD, brought together experts from the region and beyond to address these critical issues, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the discussion, Maaytah stressed Jordan's significant progress in reforming its prison system through a comprehensive approach grounded in advanced scientific methods and strategies. 

He also highlighted that the reform efforts prioritise the rehabilitation of inmates, aligning with international standards.

Maaytah also underscored the crucial role of cooperation with international and local partners, which has enabled the Kingdom to implement effective reforms and achieve "notable milestones" in the criminal justice system.

The event reiterates Jordan's dedication to promoting human rights and boosting its criminal justice foundations by integrating the best global practices in security and justice, Maaytah said, noting that these efforts reflect the Kingdom's cultural values while adhering to international conventions.

Tegreed Jaber, regional director for MENA at Penal Reform International, said that the roundtable is a key step towards better implementing human rights standards and ensuring justice and equality, noting that the event provided a "valuable" platform for sharing expertise on criminal justice reform.

Mazen Shuqura, OHCHR regional representative, commended the cooperative efforts of UN agencies in facilitating a unified stance on the management of detention centres. 

Shuqura added that the roundtable meeting allowed participants to exchange insights and propose solutions to address challenges in detention centre management, all in line with international human rights standards.