Jordan Launches the National Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence against Children, Women and Families

Amman, 29 June 2026 – Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa said that the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention of and Response to Child Protection, Family Violence, and Violence against Women and Girls represents an advanced step in Jordan's efforts to build a comprehensive and equitable protection system that ensures dignity, safety, and justice for all members of society.

She made these remarks today, Monday, while presiding over the launch ceremony of the Plan (2026–2030), developed under the leadership of the National Council for Family Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, through a broad participatory process under the supervision of the National Team for Family Protection from Violence, with the participation of various government and judicial bodies, civil society institutions, and international partners.

Bani Mustafa said that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan continues to consolidate a firm national approach grounded in safeguarding human rights and protecting the most vulnerable, noting that family security and stability underpin societal cohesion and development. She said the Plan is aligned with Royal directives, the Economic Modernization Vision, and the National Social Protection Strategy, and reflects a shared national commitment rather than the responsibility of any single sector to protecting children and women.

She added that the Plan translates priorities into measurable, implementable actions through clear performance indicators and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and is grounded in scientific evidence, national studies, and international best practice.

Bani Mustafa stressed the importance of investing in prevention through community awareness, life skills, and family and community empowerment, alongside expanding access to quality, sustainable specialized services for all without discrimination.

Secretary General of the National Council for Family Affairs, Mohammad Al-Maqdadi, said: "The Action Plan was developed through a scientific, evidence-based methodology grounded in knowledge and broad national partnership. It drew upon the review of more than 100 national and international documents, as well as the perspectives of hundreds of children, women, men, persons with disabilities, service providers, and experts. This extensive participatory process ensured that the Plan reflects the realities on the ground, addresses genuine challenges, and responds to the most pressing needs. It is the outcome of a truly national collaborative effort based on the shared conviction that protection issues cannot be addressed by a single institution, but require a coordinated, integrated, and accountable national response."

He added: "This Action Plan is not merely a policy document or an implementation framework. It is a renewed national commitment to ensuring that violence has no place in the lives of our children, women, and families. It translates that commitment into action by building an integrated protection system that places human dignity, safety, and rights at its core. Our true success will be measured by the tangible improvements we achieve in the lives of those we seek to protect."

Marc Rubin, UNICEF Representative to Jordan, said: "Ending violence requires strong commitment, as well as coordinated systems, sustained investment, and action at every level. The National Action Plan brings those elements together to better protect every child, every girl and every family in Jordan."

Himyar Abdulmoghni, UNFPA Representative to Jordan, said: "The National Action Plan provides a unified framework to guide national efforts on violence prevention and strengthen coordination across sectors. We call on all partners to align their programmes and interventions with its strategic priorities to ensure efficient resource allocation and maximize impact. Protecting women and girls is a strategic investment in sustainable development that strengthens social cohesion and resilience. Our success will ultimately be measured by our ability to translate these commitments into integrated, equitable services that reach those who need them most."

The launch brought together representatives from government ministries and institutions, the judiciary, civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, development partners, and protection service providers. It also featured a panel discussion with key implementing partners, focusing on transforming institutional approaches to prevention and strengthening coordination mechanisms for effective implementation.

The Action Plan provides a clear, costed national framework for collective action. It will strengthen Jordan's efforts to prevent violence while ensuring that specialized protection services reach all those in need efficiently, equitably, and sustainably.