Despite security challenges faced by Jordan due to its geographical location amid countries witnessing internal conflicts, namely, Syria, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Jordan remains determined to respond effectively to these challenges. One such response is being undertaken in partnership with UNODC and UNICEF.
In February 2014, a joint UNODC/UNICEF project entitled "Strengthening the Working Methodologies of the Public Security Directorate in Jordan" was launched in Amman, Jordan. The objective of this project is to improve access of vulnerable women and children to the justice system and rule of law in Jordan. This is to be achieved through strengthening the capacity of The Public Security Directorate (PSD).
PSD is represented by the Family Protection Department (FPD), the Juvenile Police Department (JDP) and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
The Project was launched in a ceremony attended by representatives of PSD, UNODC, UNICEF and EU as well as other relevant key stakeholders. Speaking at the launch of the project, General Dr.Tawfiq Al-Tawalbeh, PSD Director General, confirmed the need to develop the skills of PSD employees as "modern-day crimes are a challenge to all police forces".
Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa highlighted that "developing the justice system to better serve and protect children is at the soul of the UNODC mandate". He added that UNODC "seeks to ensure that children are better served and protected by the justice systems, and security and social welfare sectors", "in full application of relevant international standards and norms".
On his part, Michele Servadei, UNICEF Jordan Deputy Representative, 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 offences and human rights violations."
The significance of an appropriate security and legal system for young people is underscored by the fact that more than a third of the Jordanian population fall between the ages of 10 and 19. The project will support the development of a specialized juvenile justice system including laws, procedures and institutions, whi ch ensure the protection and rights of the child, and promote the reintegration of the child in conflict with the law back into society. It will enhance FPD and JDP ability 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.
UNODC will be tasked with implementing the two-and-a-half year "Support for the Security Sector in Applying the Rule of Law" project, which falls under the UNODC Regional Programme on Combating Drugs, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform. This Project is funded by the European Union.
For further information on the project, please contact Amjad Al-A'darbeh, National Programme Coordinator,
amjad.al-adarbeh[AT]unodc.org
