UN Resident Coordinator speech at the Human Rights Day

It is an honor to again stand before you on this day to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Unbelievably, we meet today under the continued shadow of profound human suffering, the result of more than a year of unrelenting and unimaginable devastation to the region. 

The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—principles of dignity, equality, and justice—face relentless challenges, and the world’s collective failure to uphold them weighs heavily on us all. 

The disregard for international humanitarian law and the escalation of conflict have led to unprecedented levels of civilian suffering. 

In Gaza, over 150,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured. Essential infrastructure lies in ruins. 

Hunger, displacement, and disease are widespread, and aid operations are on the brink of collapse. 

101 hostages are still held captive.

The occupied West Bank has become a tinderbox of tension and violence.

Lebanon and the Red Sea have succumbed to the spreading hostilities. 

Exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran stoked fears of broader regional escalation. 

And shifting dynamics in Syria provoke both cautious hope and deep concern over the challenges that lie ahead. 

As these crises spread, protract and evolve, faith in international law and the institutions designed to uphold it continues to erode.

And yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of resolve and resilience. 

A vital conversation is emerging – one that seeks to move beyond despair to action … 

Action that will uphold the core principle of equal rights for all, strengthen the utilization of the human rights framework, and mobilize the political will to ensure accountability.

In this endeavor, Jordan remains a steadfast beacon of moral leadership, advocating tirelessly for peace and accountability, using its diplomatic and political leverage to defend and promote human rights for all in the region. 

And in parallel, Jordan has continued its own human rights journey without interruption.

Importantly, in January 2024, Jordan underwent its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a vital process where UN Member States evaluate a country’s human rights progress.

And in November, Jordan also underwent a review by the Committee that monitors the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

In the UPR, Jordan accepted 204 out of 279 recommendations—a significant increase from the previous cycle in 2018.

The self and peer review highlighted achievements like constitutional amendments that recognize gender equality and protections for persons with disabilities, the enactment of the Child Rights Act, amendments to labor laws to empower women, and the introduction of political reforms to enhance participation for women and youth. 

The country has also strengthened judicial fairness, expanded legal aid, and improved protections for trafficking victims. 

And as host to millions of refugees, Jordan was commended for being a global leader in refugee support. 

Its commitment to international collaboration is reflected in active engagement with UN human rights mechanisms and the integration of human rights education and training across institutions. 

Previous recommendations were renewed regarding freedom of expression, civic space, women’s and children’s rights, gender-based violence, detention practices, and migrant workers rights. 

New recommendations relate to women’s knowledge about their labour rights, youth participation in climate action, increasing capacities of Sharia courts and prosecutors, preventing Statelessness, and strengthening protocols and referral mechanisms for drug users.

The upcoming Global Disability Summit in April, co-hosted by Jordan and Germany, highlights Jordan’s commitment to championing the rights of persons with disabilities. 

This leadership deserves commendation, as does Jordan’s proactive approach in implementing UPR recommendations through an action plan spearheaded by the Prime Ministry. 

Such an action plan could also include the recommendations from the last visit of the Special Rapporteur on Persons with Disabilities in 2022, the review of Jordan by the Committee of the Rights of the Child in 2023, and the Committee that monitors the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 2024. 

This would create a comprehensive action plan that would enable follow up in a holistic manner on all recommendations addressed to Jordan.

The UN remains steadfast in its partnership with Jordan in these efforts.

Across the region, we see numerous examples of how the universal application of human rights falters in the face of conflict, discrimination, and systemic inequities. 

Jordan provides an alternate example, one that demonstrates how peace, commitment and collaboration can yield continuous progress towards human rights for all.

Its resilience, leadership, and dedication inspire hope in these uncertain times. 

On this Human Rights Day, let us honor the principles of the Universal Declaration by reaffirming our support for the international human rights system. 

Accountability, inclusivity, and justice are not optional—they are the foundation of peace and security.

Together, let us work to uphold the values of dignity, equality, and justice, ensuring they are not merely aspirations but realities for all.

Thank you.