Amman, June 7 (Petra) – The European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, described Jordan as an indispensable strategic partner and a vital pillar of stability during a press briefing in the capital on Sunday, marking the conclusion of an official visit focused on regional crises, international law, and ongoing governance dialogues.

Ollongren stressed that Brussels holds its relationship with Amman in high regard, pointing to a robust, comprehensive partnership sustained by frequent high-level diplomacy and close alignment on security and displacement challenges, particularly the fallout from the long-running Syrian conflict.

The Fragmented International Order and Trust Deficits Speaking on the fast-moving geopolitical landscape, the EU envoy mounted a firm defense of the multilateral system, calling a rules-based international order the most effective mechanism for protecting global populations and maintaining balance. However, she acknowledged a deepening crisis of confidence among the youth regarding the efficacy of global institutions.

"The current global crises have exposed a growing trust deficit among young people toward the international system as humanitarian emergencies persist in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan," Ollongren observed. She reiterated that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are fundamental pillars of human rights, while noting that access to information is vital for building institutional trust.

Addressing the failure to protect civilians in modern warfare, Ollongren remarked that the issue does not lie within the frameworks of international humanitarian law itself, but rather in a pervasive lack of state commitment and compliance. "Dialogue and open diplomatic engagement remain our most effective tools," she said, describing her institutional consultations with Jordanian officials on democracy and governance as exceptionally frank and productive.

Managing the Asylum Crisis Amid Funding Cuts During her visit, the Special Representative met with officials from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to evaluate the vulnerabilities facing Palestinian and Syrian refugee populations.

Ollongren noted that while the EU remains the largest financial contributor to global humanitarian efforts, a sharp decline in international funding has created structural bottlenecks. She warned that the next phase of displacement management requires long-term, sustainable solutions rather than stopgap measures, particularly given the constant threat of fresh regional escalations driving new migration waves.

On the domestic front, Ollongren recognized Jordan’s civil society as exceptionally vibrant and noted that the country has increasingly become a safe haven and operational base for regional journalists displaced by nearby conflicts.

Economic Barriers to Women's Empowerment Turning to social development, the envoy praised the high educational attainment of Jordanian women, pointing to their significant presence in university classrooms. She added that translating these academic credentials into broader workforce participation is critical for national economic and social development.

While she welcomed recent political gains – including increased female representation in the House of Representatives – Ollongren pinpointed clear structural barriers that continue to hold back economic mobility. She emphasized that targeted investments in public transit networks, childcare infrastructure, and foundational public utilities are necessary prerequisites for unlocking broader economic participation for women.

The Palestinian Question and Sovereign Accountability Ollongren characterized the Palestinian issue as one of the most pressing and complex human rights challenges in the world today, affirming that self-determination and a viable future for the Palestinian people must anchor any lasting settlement.

She stated that the EU is monitoring human rights conditions across Gaza and the West Bank, expressing firm support for international accountability mechanisms and the independence of the International Criminal Court. Ollongren highlighted that the EU has already enacted sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank and continues to formally condemn illegal settlement expansions.

Concluding her remarks, the EU envoy underscored that human rights are universal, indivisible principles that must be applied equitably across all borders, demanding a fair and uniform adherence to global standards by the international community.

//Petra//AA