Amman: The government has instructed all ministries and governmental institutions to begin implementing recommendations accepted under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on human rights, according to Dr. Khalil Al-Abdallat, Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office. Al-Abdallat reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to strengthening its human rights framework and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to fulfill the recommendations adopted after a comprehensive review by the delegation that presented Jordan’s report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
According to Jordan News Agency, of the recommendations submitted, Jordan accepted 204, and work is underway to create a detailed five-year implementation plan, featuring measurable objectives and a clear timeline to ensure tangible progress. He emphasized that the UPR is a strategic mechanism for fostering partnerships and collaboration at the national, regional, and international levels to advance human rights protections.
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l-Abdallat pointed to the notable expansion of participation in Jordan’s fourth UPR cycle. This year, 36 individual submissions were made, including 21 from Jordanian institutions and 15 from international organizations. This marks a significant increase from the 2018 cycle, which saw 21 submissions (7 of which were international), and the 2013 cycle, with only 6 submissions (5 international and 1 Jordanian).
Collective submissions also grew dramatically, with 27 submitted this year by alliances and joint initiatives representing over 159 institutions, compared to 13 submissions from 55 institutions in 2018 and just 4 from 19 institutions in 2013. This surge reflects enhanced civic engagement and the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for civil society.
Al-Abdallat underscored that Jordan, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, is making steady progress in reinforcing human rights and the rule of law. He pointed to the state’s adoption of major political and economic reform progr
ams, alongside public sector modernization efforts, as evidence of its dedication to comprehensive reform that underpins the country’s development agenda.
The UPR recommendations accepted by Jordan align with these reforms, particularly those addressing the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and youth. The recommendations also focus on economic empowerment and creating the conditions necessary to secure fundamental rights in areas such as health, education, and employment.
The government has also prioritized the protection of vulnerable groups, the response to environmental and climate challenges, and the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Al-Abdallat noted that Jordan achieved a higher acceptance rate for recommendations during the fourth cycle, with 75% of all recommendations accepted, including some previously noted during earlier reviews.
The government is preparing a comprehensive implementation matrix for the recommendations, involving close coordination with all
relevant institutions. Al-Abdallat stressed the importance of collaboration with Parliament, international organizations, and the private sector. He also highlighted the role of corporate social responsibility in advancing human rights, urging businesses to actively contribute to these efforts as part of a shared responsibility to uphold human rights.
Al-Abdallat reiterated that the government’s approach reflects a commitment to an inclusive, multi-stakeholder strategy, ensuring progress in advancing human rights in Jordan.