Advising the Government of Jordan

Rights and Humanity has had a long relationship with Jordan since our establishment in 1986. Between 1999-2000, as a UNDP consultant, our President undertook four missions to Jordan to provide advice to the Government on strengthening the promotion, protection and realisation of human rights. She advised on the adoption of a National Action Plan for Human Rights, meeting with all the main Ministries of the Government. She worked closely with the Jordanian Ombudsman, Ms Nancy Bakir.

Rights and Humanity’s Jordanian staff helped organise the National Seminar on Developing a Strategy for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Jordan, held under the Patronage of the Prime Minister and with the participation of the High Commissioner ad our President. The Workshop, held on 8 February, 2000, was a successful first step in clarifying the current state of human rights in Jordan. It also contributed to launching a consultative process on the development of a human rights plan.

Audience with HM King Abdullah and HM Queen Rania
In February 2000, Our President accompanied the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson on her visit to Jordan. During their visit, they had an audience with Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania. They discussed the proposal for developing a national action plan on human rights. Rights and Humanity proposed the establishment of a Royal Commission on Human Rights. His Majesty liked these ideas and requested Ms Hausermann to provide him with a briefing on national action plans.

Establishment of the Royal Commission and the National Centre for Human Rights
On 28 March 2000, His Majesty established the Royal Commission on Human Rights, appointing Her Majesty Queen Rania as its Chair.

During her final Mission, Ms Häusermann met individually with nearly all members of the Royal Commission on Human Rights. She gave a briefing on the proposals for the development of a national action plan in Jordan at a full meeting of the Royal Commission in October, 2000.

The Royal Commission resulted in the establishment of the National Centre for Human Rights. Its objectives are to foster greater awareness and understanding of human rights and ensure that policies are in line with international standards. Our work was thus brought to a successful conclusion.