Human rights activists on Monday welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah's "strong and clear" comments on safeguarding human rights in the Kingdom, particularly of women and children.

"Although the King has spoken on this topic on several occasions, this time his message was strong, direct and clear. It is obviously geared towards acting quickly to amend discriminatory laws against women and ensuring a safe environment for children," said Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) Secretary General Asma Khader.

"It is an indication that lawmakers need to adopt additional procedures to amend discriminatory legislation, including laws that offer leniency to killers in so-called honour crimes and improve services for abused women and children in our society," Khader said.

During a meeting with chief editors of Jordanian daily newspapers on Sunday, King Abdullah said “child molestation is a red line. We have to be strict in applying laws that protect their rights. The answer to any violations of children's rights has to be harsh.”

Describing crimes against children as “sabotage” against the community and a “menace” that threatens the future of the country by undermining the well-being of its young people, King Abdullah stressed the need to enforce the law and impose maximum penalties on those convicted of child abuse.

King Abdullah added that the same applies to women's rights, noting that all forms of violence against women are totally rejected. He also highlighted the role the media can play in educating the general public in order to stop these violations.