Abu Dhabi:Jordan showcased its advancements in modernizing its criminal justice system at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The event is currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, where Jordan's Justice Minister, Bassam Talhouni, led the delegation from September 26 to October 1.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Talhouni detailed the Kingdom's justice reforms to representatives from UN member states, international organizations, and criminal justice experts. He emphasized the importance of strengthening criminal justice systems, upholding the rule of law, and enhancing international cooperation in addressing evolving crimes and complex justice challenges.
Jordan's reforms include legislative, procedural, and service changes aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness to societal, economic, and technological shifts. A significant focus has been on digital transformation, with initiatives such as expanding remote court proceedings and connecting juvenile courts with care facilities. Since 2019, more than 658,000 remote hearings involving correctional center inmates have been conducted.
The country has also increased access to legal representation through a legal aid directorate and fund, which saw a 56 percent rise in beneficiaries in 2025 compared to the previous year. Additionally, measures to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities have been implemented, ensuring over 80 percent of major buildings and courthouses meet accessibility requirements.
Minister Talhouni highlighted efforts in family and juvenile protection, including the role of the Family and Juvenile Protection Department and collaborations among judicial, security, social, and health authorities. Jordan has enhanced its legislative and institutional frameworks on family protection, children's rights, and juvenile justice.
In combating narcotics and organized crime, Talhouni reported a 19 percent decrease in drug cases and users in 2025 compared to 2024. Jordan continues to collaborate with regional and international partners in the fight against organized crime through cooperation and information exchange.
The minister reaffirmed Jordan's dedication to protecting refugees' rights and ensuring legal protection and essential services, acknowledging the pressures faced as a host country. A comprehensive national human rights plan is being prepared to strengthen the rule of law through legislative reviews and national strategy development.
Jordan's participation in the UN congress is part of a broader initiative to modernize its justice system through legislative reform, technology, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation. The Jordanian delegation included Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Majed Qatarneh, along with officials from the Justice Ministry and the Jordanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.