25 November 2024 - Amman, Jordan
On Monday, Minister of Justice, Dr. Bassam Al-Talhouni, Chairman of the National Committee for the Prevention of Human Trafficking, presided over the launch of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking in Jordan for the years 2024–2027. The event was attended by Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa.
In his speech, Dr. Al-Talhouni emphasized Jordan's commitment to providing the necessary mechanisms to combat human trafficking at both international and national levels. He highlighted Jordan's accession to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, which supplements the Convention. Furthermore, he noted the issuance of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law of 2009 and its amendments, which aim to address all forms and manifestations of human trafficking, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and do not evade punishment, while providing essential protection and support to victims. He stressed the importance of adopting a preventative criminal policy aimed at eradicating this crime at its root, underscoring that human trafficking is fundamentally incompatible with Jordan's religious and humanitarian values.
From her side, Ms. Cristina Albertin recognized Jordan's vast efforts in combating human trafficking, highlighting the development of the National Strategy to counter Human Trafficking in line with global commitments, the application of a victim-centered approach and the formulation of the strategy under a coordinated, integrated and participatory engagement. She noted the strategy laid the basis for an exemplary model at the regional level.
Dr. Al-Talhouni pointed out that amendments were made under the revised 2021 Anti-Human Trafficking Law to increase penalties for perpetrators and strengthen deterrence. Additionally, a revised regulation, No. 46 of 2023, was issued for shelters for victims of human trafficking.
Dr. Al-Talhouni explained that the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (2024–2027) is a comprehensive national plan aimed at strengthening efforts to counter human trafficking.
The strategy includes an assessment of the current state of human trafficking in Jordan and opens pathways for international cooperation to address this transnational crime while respecting national sovereignty.
It is built on four key pillars: prevention, which involves taking proactive measures to combat trafficking and exploitation; protection, which ensures the safeguarding, recovery, and reintegration of victims into society while upholding their rights and preventing re-exploitation; prosecution, which focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and imposing stricter penalties on those convicted of trafficking offenses; and partnership and international cooperation, which enhances collaboration with countries and entities at local, regional, and international levels to ensure the most effective response to counter human trafficking.
Dr. Al-Talhouni also highlighted the establishment of the Victims of Human Trafficking Assistance Fund under Regulation No. 6 of 2023, which strengthens protections and support for victims.
He added that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Jordanian Bar Association to provide free legal advice and assistance to trafficking victims. He further emphasized Jordan's continued collaboration with the international community to enhance and implement effective mechanisms to combat human trafficking.
