Amman, June 22 (Petra) – A specialized workshop on the Justice Ministry’s role in implementing international humanitarian law (IHL) at the national level concluded Monday.
The National Committee for International Humanitarian Law organized the workshop in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ministry of Justice for a group of ministry employees. It aimed to institutionalize knowledge management and strengthen awareness of IHL and its importance.
Opening the workshop, National Committee Chairman Mamoun Khasawneh said the ministry’s sovereign role and legal expertise had contributed to Jordan’s ratification of 14 international treaties and conventions, most recently the Rome Statute in 2002. He said respect for IHL principles, human rights, and human dignity was a key measure of a country’s advancement.
He noted that international law faces direct challenges arising from the dominance of power among major states and rapid technological developments, including cyberattacks.
Khasawneh also highlighted the ministry’s digital transformation, the judiciary’s efficiency, and the ministry’s membership in the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law.
Khasawneh praised the role of His Majesty King Abdullah II and his political acumen, which has preserved Jordan’s security and stability amidst a region inflamed by conflicts and disputes, calling on the participants to delve into the provisions of this law and understand it.
Ministry of Justice Human Rights Directorate Director Hanan Khalaileh said the ministry supports IHL implementation by aligning national legislation with Jordan’s international obligations.
She added that the ministry contributes to responses to international reports in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and other agencies, participates in international forums, and follows up on recommendations issued by international human rights mechanisms.
Khalaileh called for expanded cooperation with the committee to provide IHL training to Justice Ministry employees across all governorates.
International law experts presented papers on IHL principles, the key provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, national implementation mechanisms, and the global initiative to strengthen political commitment to international law.
The workshop also addressed the Rome Statute, the International Court of Justice, international rules governing the prosecution of perpetrators of international law violations, and the legal status of international corridors and straits under international law and maritime conventions.
Discussions focused on the ministry’s role in implementing IHL and the challenges facing international law amid artificial intelligence, cyberwarfare, and technological change.
The workshop also highlighted the ministry’s role in upholding the rule of law, promoting justice, equality, transparency, and equal opportunity, protecting rights and freedoms, and developing legislation across justice institutions.
//Petra// AO
