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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - State Minister for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat on Wednesday said that Jordan remains committed to political reforms, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Commenting on the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2018, Ghunaimat said the report commended the human rights situation in the Kingdom, especially legislative reforms designed to improve the independence of the judiciary and advance of women's rights.

Ghunaimat, who is also the government spokesperson, emphasized that Jordan is committed to promoting human rights, public freedoms and democracy and guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression. The minister also stressed that the priorities of the government's work focus on promoting these principles guaranteed by the Constitution, including the right to expression without violating the rights and freedoms of others.

According to the report, Jordan remained committed to political reforms, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms despite a challenging domestic economic situation and regional instability.

Furthermore, the report noted that the Kingdom took legislative steps to improve the independence of the judiciary and to advance on women's rights. It added that the EU has engaged in a regular dialogue with the Jordanian authorities to underline the importance of finding a balance between legitimate national security concerns and the respect for Jordan's international and national obligations on human rights.

On the freedom of opinion and expression, the report said the Jordanian government is on the way to propose amendments that will improve access to information, thanks to support received through an EU-funded project.

With regard to women's rights, the report noted several improvements in women's rights, including the appointment of the first Jordanian female judge in the Court of Cassation and the launch of the 2018-2021 Jordan Action Plan in order to advance the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

According to the report, there also have been a number of positive amendments to the Personal Status Law, including the increase of the exceptional minimum age of marriage from 15 to 16 years. The EU has encouraged Jordan to develop the capacity of women to engage in economic, social and political affairs and to strengthen measures to further protect women.

The Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva in November 2018 provided an opportunity for Jordan to reaffirm its commitment to the promotion of human rights, where the European Union and member states of the council recognized the progress made by Jordan in this area.