Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement505

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 17th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Jordan

24 October 2013

 

We recognise the pressure that the Syrian conflict is placing on Jordan and note the immense generosity that Jordan has shown in hosting Syrian refugees.

Australia commends Jordan’s decision to withdraw its reservation to article 15(4) of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). We recommend Jordan take further steps to address discrimination against women, with a particular focus on reducing violence against women.

Australia also welcomes Jordan’s decision to amend its constitution to prohibit torture. We remain concerned, however, about ongoing allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities. We recommend Jordan continue and strengthen efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities and ensure that all allegations of torture are promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated.

Finally, despite a de facto moratorium on executions in Jordan since 2007, Australia recommends that Jordan establish an official moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty and acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty.