A/HRC/11/29 Page 4 Committee on Human Rights, which comprises various government departments and is chaired by the Director of the Human Rights Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 7. Jordan’s political and social openness, independence and respect for the human dignity and tolerance and other values associated with human rights are not due only to its people’s cultural heritage and intellectual development as part of the tolerant Islamic civilization and the outward-looking Arab identity but also to the fact that Jordanians have been living under governing institutions characterized by good governance, accountability, acceptance of other opinions and respect for the will of the people. Thus, we find a reflection of this and more in the principles of the Constitution, the fundamental document guaranteeing the protection of rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals in all walks of life: civil, political, economic, social and cultural. 8. The Jordanian Constitution of 1952 is perfectly in line with international human rights standards as provided for in the international instruments, foremost among them the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two International Covenants on civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. This modern and progressive Constitution has been complemented by other documents, namely the National Charter and the National Agenda. The National Charter sets forth a number of guiding principles inspired by the Constitution in order to activate political pluralism, the establishment of political parties and enhanced participation. The National Agenda contains strategies and plans, long-term projects and mechanisms for action. 9. By virtue of article 6 of the Constitution, “Jordanians shall be equal before the law”. Jordanian laws provide effective and equal protection against any discrimination on the basis of race, language, religion, sex or political opinion. Jordanians are equal with respect to appointment to public posts. In addition, legislation ensures equality between men and women in all rights and everyone aged 18 or more enjoys legal capacity. Everybody is protected against violence or prejudice and has the right to resort to law and the right to litigation. Furthermore, the law ensures equality in education for everybody. Elementary education is compulsory and free of charge. Higher education is also open to everybody on the basis of fair admission regulations. 10. As for personal freedoms, the Constitution protects the rights of individuals and there is no crime without law (Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege). Article 9 of the 1961 Law, and its amendments, stipulates that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Courts are inviolable and all acts of arrest and inspections are carried out according to a clear legal framework. 11. The Criminal Code criminalizes any infringement on the personal freedom. Every State official who has arrested, detained or confined somebody to a place of detention in cases not stipulated by the law is punished. Law No.7 of 1954 is not intended to restrict personal freedoms but rather intends to prevent crimes that threaten public peace and security. Administrative detention is governed by certain safeguards that ensure balance between the right to life, especially of persons who could be subjected to vendettas or honour crimes, and the right to freedom of liberty. 12. The Anti-Terrorist Law adopted in 2006 seeks to prevent crimes of terrorism and the financing of terrorist activities. Jordan does not claim that this law is an ideal one as many countries and international bodies, legal and political, are still striving to ensure a balance