A/HRC/7/3/Add.2 page 56 Jordan Follow-up to the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur in the report of his visit to Jordan in June 2006 (A/HRC/4/33/Add.3, paras. 72-73). 238. By letter dated 13 February 2008, the Government informed that during the short meeting in which the Human Rights Council took up the Special Rapporteur’s report in March 2007, the Jordanian delegation stated its views on the report, and a detailed response was made available to the Council (document A/HRC/4/G/17). According to the Government, in both instances, it was amply demonstrated that the Special Rapporteur’s report, unfortunately, contained numerous inaccuracies and unsubstantiated allegations. This further became clear, according to the Government, when the Special Rapporteur “readjusted some of his conclusions as he realized that they were not vindicated by the facts”. The Government stated that in light of this, and its opinion that the report contained information that was not authentic, the Government maintains that the conclusions and recommendations are based on information lacking in authenticity and plausibility. Therefore, the Jordanian delegation at the Council stated that it would review such recommendations and assess to what extent they could be made use of. As expected by the Government and in its view, the recommendations in the report were found to be of little relevance. Moreover, the Government stated that it had already taken both legislative and practical steps concerning the issues referred to therein. 239. The Government provided information in Arabic on some of the initiatives undertaken during 2007 to further strengthen protection against torture and ill-treatment of persons. At the time this report was finalized, this information had not been translated, and will be duly reflected in a future report. 240. Since the visit was undertaken, the Special Rapporteur notes with satisfaction a number of positive developments with respect to the follow-up to the recommendations contained in his report. He welcomes the definition of torture contained in the Convention against Torture has been reflected in article 208 of the Penal Code, although he has not been able to ascertain whether the punishments provided for are commensurate with the gravity of the crime. He is also encouraged by reports that efforts at monitoring places of detention, at raising law-enforcement officials’ awareness about international human rights standards, and at providing human rights training to judges and prosecutors have been intensified. However, the Special Rapporteur is concerned at the reported continued use of torture, in particular in the General Intelligence Directorate, and at continued impunity, as evidenced by the continued existence of the special court system. Impunity 241. Recommendation (a) stated: The absolute prohibition of torture be considered for incorporation into the Constitution; 242. According to non-governmental sources, neither the Jordanian Parliament nor the Cabinet has discussed this recommendation.