Amman, Dec. 23 (Petra) -- Minister of Justice and Chair of the National Committee to Prevent Human Trafficking, Bassam Talhouni, said human trafficking is "a crime prohibited by all divine laws." Talhouni added that combating this phenomenon is a "national imperative to protect human rights, safeguard human dignity, entrench accountability, and strengthen the rule of law." Chairing a committee meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, Talhouni said Jordan attaches "particular" importance to this issue in terms of follow-up and implementation.

Talhouni noted the Anti-Human Trafficking Law No. 9 of 2009 and its amendments have undergone several revisions to keep pace with developments and align with relevant international standards and conventions.

Talhouni stated issuance of the Human Trafficking Victims Assistance Fund Regulation No. 6 of 2023 has contributed to providing necessary support to victims, including shelter services and safe voluntary return, which reflect the national responsibility assumed by committee members and partner institutions.

He pointed out the National Strategy to Prevent Human Trafficking for 2024–2027 underscores the importance of consolidating national efforts to combat the crime, adding that enhanced stakeholder coordination would ensure role integration, reduce duplication, and support effective implementation of the strategy’s objectives.

On its role, he said the national committee serves as a unified framework for addressing one of the most serious forms of organized crime, commending the efforts exerted to monitor the implementation of the strategy, approved action plans, and their impact.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed key feedback and recommendations in several international reports on combating human trafficking in Jordan, as well as priorities for the next phase to strengthen prevention, protection, and accountability mechanisms.

The National Committee to Prevent Human Trafficking, which is chaired by the Minister of Justice, brings together Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice for Judicial Affairs as deputy chair, the secretaries general of the Ministries of Interior and Labor, the Commissioner General of the National Center for Human Rights, the Secretary General of the National Council for Family Affairs, a senior Public Security officer, and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Social Development, Industry and Trade, and Health.

//Petra// AO