AMMAN — EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren said on Tuesday that Jordan is regarded as a key partner for the European Union and is considered a “valuable and reliable partner”.

 

Ollongren said that the two sides are bound by a comprehensive strategic partnership reflected in high-level visits and regular dialogue on issues of mutual interest, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

 

The EU official also commended Jordan’s role as a stabilising force in the region and its resilience amid ongoing regional challenges, stressing that these issues remain central to Jordan–EU cooperation.

 

She said that her mandate covers human rights in its broad sense, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law, democracy and governance, adding that security and displacement issues are closely linked to this framework.

 

She also stressed the importance of preserving the international multilateral system based on the rule of international law amid current geopolitical shifts, saying Jordan and the EU share the same view on the need to uphold it.

 

On human rights in Jordan, she said that discussions were “open and frank,” adding that there is an institutional and structured dialogue between the two sides on human rights, democracy and governance.

 

She noted that she met representatives of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to discuss the situation of Palestinian and Syrian refugees.

 

She said that the refugee file remains a key priority, particularly amid reductions in UN funding, despite the EU being the “largest donor” supporting these efforts.

 

Ollongren also said that human rights are facing growing pressure globally and in the region, adding that international humanitarian law is not being sufficiently respected in ongoing conflicts, underscoring the importance of a strong EU–Jordan partnership.

 

She warned of the risks of worsening regional conditions and potential new waves of displacement, citing large numbers of displaced people in Lebanon and continued uncertainty over developments in Iran.

 

On women’s empowerment, she praised the high level of education among Jordanian women and their strong presence in universities, saying increasing their participation in the labour market represents an important opportunity for Jordan despite relatively low participation rates.

 

She added that women’s representation in professional sectors and leadership positions improves workplace environments, enhances diversity in business, and strengthens empowerment efforts.

 

Ollongren said that the Jordanian government appears aware of challenges related to transport, infrastructure and childcare, which need to be addressed to boost women’s participation in the workforce, expressing confidence that more women will assume leadership roles in the future.

 

She said that while human rights conditions vary between countries, Jordan is broadly aligned with universal human rights principles and the United Nations’ cooperative mechanisms.