A/HRC/40/10 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-first session from 5 to 16 November 2018. The review of Jordan was held at the 7th meeting, on 8 November 2018. The delegation of Jordan was headed by the General Government Coordinator for Human Rights, Bassel al Tarawneh. At its 14th meeting, held on 13 November 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on Jordan. 2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Jordan: Afghanistan, United States of America and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). On 13 July 2018, following the decision of the United States to withdraw from membership of the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly elected Iceland as a new member of the Council replacing the United States. Consequently, Iceland replaced the United States as a member of the troika for the universal periodic review of Jordan. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, 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.6/31/JOR/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/31/JOR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/31/JOR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Lichtenstein, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Jordan through the troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The head of the delegation highlighted that progress on human rights was important for ensuring stability, security and peace internationally, and strengthening the confidence of Jordanian society. 6. The universal periodic review process had helped Jordan to assess its own human rights situation. 7. Jordan was creating national institutions to reform its human rights framework and to make progress in achieving sustainable development to ensure a decent life for all. 8. Jordan had made significant progress in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, despite difficult circumstances in the region, particularly in relation to security. 9. Fundamental rights and freedoms for all were guaranteed under the Constitution, and freedom of opinion, of expression, of the press, to publish, of the media and of correspondence were valued in Jordan. Jordanian citizens were free to establish trade unions and political parties. Efforts had focused on protecting and promoting human rights for those living in remote and deprived areas, and the Government was intent on protecting the rights of women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Education was free and compulsory for all children. 2