His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday called on the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) to draw up a national plan to spread a human rights-oriented culture in Jordan in cooperation with the concerned authorities.

King Abdullah also tasked the NCHR with presenting suggestions, in cooperation with other bodies, on means to activate the constitutional amendments related to safeguarding human rights and the required legislative and procedural changes to ensure they are implemented.

During a meeting with NCHR Board of Trustees President Tahir Hikmat and Commissioner General Musa Braizat, the King stressed the need for educational institutions to adopt curricula that enhance a culture which respects human rights, in order for Jordan to become a pioneer in this field.

His Majesty underlined the significant role the centre plays in protecting the rights of people in Jordan and nurturing a culture that respects human rights and dignity.

Receiving the centre’s eighth annual report, the King noted that the latest constitutional amendments have improved the Kingdom’s approach to safeguarding human rights and public freedoms, citing the NCHR’s integrity as an independent monitoring body.

Hikmat highlighted the main content and recommendations outlined in the report on the civil, political, economic and cultural rights in Jordan as well as segments who are more subject to abuse, such as women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, he noted that the report documented all abuses and complaints received by the NCHR and outlined issues related to the development of human rights in the Kingdom.

He said the constitutional amendments were an addition to efforts aimed at safeguarding human rights in the country, stressing that they have become legal and constitutional references when following up on any human rights violation.

“We believe that our share of international criticism regarding human rights is marginal and that there is an implicit recognition that Jordan is doing well in its human rights performance,” Hikmat said.

“The bodies that are working on applying human rights are serious and the reports issued in this regard, particularly from the centre, are… characterised by integrity and objectivity,” he added.