Justice Ministry launches national strategy to address human trafficking

AMMAN — The Ministry of Justice on Monday announced the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (2024–2027) during a ceremony attended by Judicial Council President Mahmoud Ababneh, Judicial Council Secretary-General Ali Musaimi, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) representative Cristina Albertin.

Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to combating human trafficking on both national and international fronts, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He highlighted the Kingdom’s accession to the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, as well as the enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law in 2009, which has been reinforced through multiple amendments. 

These initiatives aim to combat trafficking, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide comprehensive support for victims, the minister added. 

Talhouni stressed that human trafficking is fundamentally at odds with Jordan’s core values and underscored the significance of prevention within the criminal justice system. 

He noted the introduction of stricter penalties through the 2021 amendments to the Anti-Human Trafficking Law and the implementation of updated shelter regulations under Bylaw No. 46 of 2023, aimed at enhancing victim protection.

"The new strategy provides a comprehensive framework to address human trafficking in Jordan. It begins with an in-depth assessment of the current situation and focuses on cooperation with the international community while preserving national sovereignty."

The strategy is built around four key pillars, according to Talhouni. "Prevention focuses on implementing proactive measures to deter trafficking and combat exploitative practices, while Protection aims to ensure victims' recovery, reintegration, and safeguarding of their rights, preventing further harm."

"The third pillar, Investigation and Prosecution, strengthens mechanisms to investigate trafficking crimes and enforces stricter penalties against perpetrators. The final pillar, Partnership and International Cooperation emphasises enhancing coordination with global and regional partners to ensure a unified response to trafficking."

The minister also stressed that the strategy represents a collective national effort to combat human trafficking comprehensively and uphold justice and dignity for victims. 

He also highlighted Jordan’s active role in addressing this cross-border crime through partnerships with the international community.