Support to the security sector in applying the rule of law
AMMAN, Jordan, 6 February 2014 – The two contracts launched today aim to improve a reinforced application of the rule of law to effectively protect the citizens, particularly those in need of differential treatment and protection in line with human rights.
The grant agreements with UNODC and UNICEF are part of a wider EU support of EUR 5 Million to the security sector in applying the rule of law. They are implementing Component 2 of the global project.
Dr Joanna Wronecka, the Ambassador of the EU in Jordan, expresses the European commitment in the following way: “The national security actors have been allocated large competences to ensure efficient and effective protection of the population. Their challenge today is to achieve such objectives while integrating new obligations.”
The main objective of this global project is indeed to promote a reinforced application of the rule of law principles in the security sector, based on sector's accountability and transparency, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It will support the Ministry of Interior, the Civil Status Department and the Public Security Directorate (Family Protection Police Department, Juvenile Police Department, the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Central Bureau of Interpol).
The goal of the project implemented by UNICEF is to strengthen the ability of the Family Protection Department and the Juvenile Police to protect women and children survivors of violence. In addition, children in contact with the law will have improved access to gender sensitive services and community based and family focused legal and counselling support.
The UNICEF Jordan Deputy Representative, Michele Servadei, highlighted the importance of the project in strengthening the juvenile system in line with Jordan’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). “UNICEF will further its work with the government to prevent children from coming into contact with the law; and promote mediation and diversion those who do away from the formal criminal justice system and into community based and restorative processes; and to prevent repeat offenses and human rights violations.”
Mr. Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative, stressed that within the framework of the project, the UNODC interventions seek to contribute to the protection of citizens, including children in contact with the law through the strengthening of the working methodologies of the Jordanian Public Security Directorate.
UNODC will help build the capacity of the newly established Juvenile Police Department and ensure child-friendly environments at the juvenile police branches. Accordingly, UNODC’s work will seek to ensure that children are better served and protected by the justice system through the full application of relevant international standards and norms.
UNODC will also seek to build the capacity of the Criminal Investigations Department and strengthen and institutionalize effective practices and procedures to enable effective investigations and prosecutions with due respect to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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For more information please contact:
UNICEF Jordan: Samir Badran, Communications Officer, Tel: +962 (0) 796 926 180sbadran@unicef.org
UNODC Jordan:Amjad Al-A’darbeh, National Programme Coordinator, Tel: +962 (0) 79 76 33344, amjad.al-adarbeh@unodc.org
European Union: Reem Al Jazi, Press and Information Officer, Tel : +962 (6) 4607000 ext:108, Cell: +962 797750444, Reem.AL-JAZI@eeas.europa.eu
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