Jordan Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights at UN, Announces Council Candidacy

GENEVA - Jordan has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to human rights, emphasizing its central role in the nation's policies and approach, according to Ambassador Akram Al-Harahsheh, Jordan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

Speaking at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Al-Harahsheh underscored Jordan's dedication to multilateral action, dialogue, and inclusive engagement to build a better future.

Al-Harahsheh also announced Jordan's candidacy for membership in the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029, with elections scheduled during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in October. He affirmed Jordan's commitment to enhancing the Council's effectiveness and tools through its membership, expressing hope for the support of member states.

In alignment with its mediating role and commitment to multilateralism, Jordan announced it will host a high-level conference later this year focusing on humanity in warfare. This initiative is a collaborative effort with Brazil, South Africa, China, France, Kazakhstan, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Ambassador voiced Jordan's support for the UN Secretary-General's UN80 initiative, stressing that its outcomes should provide tangible solutions to address the financial crisis, enhance the organization's efficiency and effectiveness, and respond to the aspirations of youth and the challenges posed by new technologies and artificial intelligence.

Al-Harahsheh welcomed the High Commissioner for Human Rights' efforts to launch a global human rights coalition, expressing Jordan's readiness to collaborate with the High Commissioner and his office.

Al-Harahsheh highlighted the grave challenges facing the world, asserting that they cannot be addressed without effective multilateral action and emphasizing the pivotal role of the Human Rights Council in safeguarding rights and freedoms.

He stressed that human dignity must remain at the heart of international action, everywhere and under all circumstances, and that human rights are universal, non-selective, unconditional, and indivisible.

Al-Harahsheh noted that the Human Rights Council serves as a platform for dialogue and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership to enhance its impact and standing.

He also acknowledged the significant achievements in documentation and capacity building over the past twenty years since the Council's establishment, underscoring that these accomplishments would not have been possible without the Council's exercise of its tools and powers.