A/HRC/40/10 10. The Comprehensive National Human Rights Plan for the period 2016–2025 had been established to reduce gaps in human rights policy and practice. 11. In March 2014, the Government had created the Office of the Government Coordinator for Human Rights, which had led to a number of initiatives being implemented through a comprehensive human rights protection system. Jordan had published periodic reports to demonstrate its progress made in laws, practice and policy relating to human rights. 12. In October 2018, the Office had been elevated to ministerial level. 13. A higher committee had been established within the Office, involving ministers and leaders of national institutions and trade unions, to examine human rights treaties and incorporate them into the national legislative framework. 14. The Office had established a national commission to follow up on recommendations from the National Centre for Human Rights and to ensure that the Comprehensive National Human Rights Plan was implemented by 2025. 15. In 2016, Jordan had organized parliamentary elections to strengthen its democratic system. An impartial commission had supervised the elections, in accordance with international best practices. The level of female representation in the parliament had risen. In 2017, municipal and provincial elections had been held in order to decentralize power. 16. Jordan had amalgamated the mandates of the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman in order to combat corruption and ensure the integrity of the Government. The rule of law was important in Jordan for achieving democracy, economic prosperity and a productive society. 17. Combating extremism was a challenge in the region, although the Government was increasing its efforts to ensure the realization of human rights despite that challenge. Jordan had adopted the Sharia Courts Act of 2016 in order to guarantee access to justice, fair sentencing and the possibility of appeal. The status of sharia courts had been amended to review sentences, to create an appeals process and to protect juveniles and vulnerable groups. 18. Jordan had adopted laws on combating corruption and embezzlement and on accessing information to improve national integrity and strengthen its human rights system. 19. The promotion of women’s rights was important in Jordan. A draft law relating to women in the public sector had been adopted to promote the role of women. Further developments included the adoption of laws on flexible working hours, inheritance rights, women in senior positions and childcare. 20. A national plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security had been adopted. Other mechanisms such as the National Plan for Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 had also been adopted, and the National Strategy for Women 2013–2017 was being updated for the period 2020–2030. 21. The adoption of Act No. 20 of 2017 aimed to provide better social and financial assistance for persons with disabilities and their family members. Under article 25, organizations were required to set aside 4 per cent of positions for persons with disabilities. The Government had sought to improve accessibility in public buildings and to offer interpreters, sign language, and video conferencing where necessary. 22. Act No. 32 of 2014 had been amended to facilitate children’s access to the justice system. The age of criminal responsibility had been raised to 12 years old and non-custodial sentences had been encouraged. 23. The Government sought to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the right to privacy, and combating terrorist activities. The national strategy for the period 2011–2015 had provided better working conditions for the communication sector and improved enjoyment of the right to freedom of information for citizens and journalists. The Government was working to ensure that journalists worked free from pressure, threat of dismissal and intimidation. 3