A/HRC/11/29 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its fourth session from 2 to 13 February 2009. The review of Jordan was held at the 15th meeting on 11 February 2009. The delegation of Jordan was headed by H.E. Dr. Mousa Burayzat, Director of the International Relations and Organizations Department and Director of The Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At its meeting held on 13 February 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Jordan. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Jordan: Burkina Faso, Japan and Mexico. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Jordan: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/JOR/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/ JOR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/ JOR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and was transmitted to Jordan through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The head of the delegation stated that the national report was drafted after extensive consultation with stakeholders: NGOs, government organs, State authorities and civil society at large, to provide an updated overview of the human rights situation in the country. The state of openness and transparency in modern Jordan has enabled everybody interested to visit the country, make contacts, formulate recommendations and ultimately make their own assessment of the human rights situation. Jordan is, indeed, under constant review and is not totally unhappy about the fact. Further, Jordan is proud of being before the Human Rights Council as this is a proof of the country’s genuine openness, transparency and definitive commitment, under the guidance of King Abdullah II, to the strengthening of human rights, which is the premise of sound governance, establishment of justice and attainment of security, stability and peace inside the country and with its neighbors. The criteria of human rights and the follow-up of their implementation are the measures of political legitimacy and social justice. 6. The preparation of the report comprised several stages, the first being the collection of information about laws and legislation, policies and practices from government sources. Then institutions such as universities, experts and NGOs, were consulted, as well as the Standing