New EU support for Justice and Security Sectors in Jordan

Brussels, 30-11-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has today adopted a decision to provide further assistance to “Support justice sector reform in Jordan” and to “Support for the security sector in applying the rule of law”.

By providing support to reform of the justice sector in Jordan, the Commission expects to achieve greater integration amongst key players in the judicial field and greater operational independence of the key institutions. After the reform there should be better access to justice for the population and a strengthened juvenile justice system in line with international standards and conventions.

The second programme targeting the security sector in Jordan aims to improve understanding of the rule of law and human rights’ issues across all departments under the Ministry of Interior and improve dialogue with partners and civil society organisations to ensure a better oversight of security interventions. It should also improve methods and standards of criminal investigation and increase the quality of evidence being laid before the courts in Jordan.

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle announcing the adoption of the package said: “The EU is continuing to deepen its partnership with Jordan, including sensitive areas, such as justice reform and the rule of law. These actions should be viewed as complementary. In doing so we are responding to the Jordanian authorities’ request to increase co-operation in these fields.”

The value of the programme “Support justice sector reform in Jordan” is €30 million which will be provided to the Government of Jordan in the form of sector budget support. The “Support for the security sector in applying the rule of law” programme is worth €5 million. It foresees two components:

• Providing institutional support to the Ministry of the Interior, Constitutional Court, Judicial Council and all other relevant stakeholders.
• Providing support to the Juvenile and Family Protection Departments of the Public Security Directorate and to the Criminal Investigation Unit.

Background

The European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan for Jordan sets out a comprehensive set of priorities which include reinforcing the country’s institutions, safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.

Today’s decisions address the objectives of democratic reform and institution-building described in the two Joint Communications of the European Commission and of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, namely “A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean” and “A new response to a changing Neighbourhood”.

For more information

Website of the DG Development and Cooperation – EuropeAid:

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/index_en.htm

Website of EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle:

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/fule/index_en.htm

On the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI):

www.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/