Part II Protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls: NHRIs in action LAW REFORM IN JORDAN Following advocacy by the Jordan National Centre for Human Rights, amendments have been made to the: • Elections Law, Municipalities Law and Parties Law; to improve representation of women in government • Penal Code; to provide greater protection against violence and sexual assault • Personal Status Law; to strengthen rights in marriage and divorce • Labour Law; to specifically include female domestic helpers • Social Security Law; to provide better protection and coverage for women workers • Anti-trafficking in Humans Law; to include trafficking of women in the law and the national strategy • Constitutional Law; to protect families against abuse and exploitation. The Centre contributed to the issuance of the: • 2013 Regulation regarding the bureaus of family reconciliation and reform; which seeks to settle domestic disputes before resorting to filing judicial suits • 2013 Regulation regarding the exemptions of persons with disabilities; which provides people with disabilities with customs duties exemptions enabling better protection and enhancement of the rights of women with disabilities. The Centre was instrumental in advocating for: • Jordan’s ratification of the Trafficking Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime • Withdrawal of Jordan’s reservation to article 15(4) of CEDAW concerning freedom of movement and choice of residence. LAW REFORM IN INDIA The National Human Rights Commission of India was successful in positively influencing amendments to and/or played a significant role in formulating the: • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 • Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 • Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which included new sections on sexual harassment, voyeurism, causing grievous hurt by use of acid, stalking and trafficking in persons. The Commission has and continues to pursue reform of a number of other laws that concern the human rights of women and girls, including: the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956; Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; Mental Health Act, 1987; Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986; and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. Chapter 4: Supporting a strong national legal and policy framework | 45