Bani Mustafa, UN representative discuss Jordan’s national strategy on women

AMMAN — Jordan is an example of a country that has welcomed and supported refugees despite significant challenge and immense pressures on the Kingdom’s infrastructure and resources, said Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten on Monday. 

During a meeting with Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Patten praised Jordan's efforts in hosting refugees despite its limited resources, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of a two-day regional meeting focused on the implementation of the Arab Strategy for the Prevention of and Response to All Forms of Violence in Asylum Context, which kicked off in Amman on Monday.

Bani Mustafa said that Jordan has taken proactive measures to support refugees by issuing work permits, noting that almost half of the permits issued to refugees are flexible and allow employment in many sectors. 

Jordan is fully aware of the value of education for refugee children in schools throughout Jordan, the minister added. 

Bani Mustafa also pointed to the ministry’s social protection centres and houses, which accept beneficiaries regardless of nationality.

His Majesty King Abdullah launched a national reform vision with political, economic, and administrative modernisation plans, Bani Mustafa noted. The national project has already led to constitutional amendments, including the addition of an article protecting women from various forms of violence and discrimination, and the launch of a national strategy on women, she added.

Thanks to the efforts of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, Jordan has completed the first phase of a national plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution No. 1325, which aims to integrate a gender-based approach to women's participation in prevention and protection processes in conflicts, Bani Mustafa said.