Jordan and Human Rights

The Jordanian constitution expresses the importance of human rights in a whole chapter entitled "The Rights and Duties of Jordanians". It safeguards the rights of Jordanians of all origins including minorities, providing that "Jordanians shall be equal before the law. There shall be no discrimination between them with regards to their rights and duties on grounds of race, language or religion".

In recent years, Jordan has taken substantial steps towards establishing the basics of a pluralistic and organized political structure that serves as a model for the region. Free parliamentary elections were held in 1989, in which candidates from all strands of the ideological spectrum participated. The elections were viewed internationally as among the freest held in the Middle East. Soon after the 1989 elections, the martial law was cancelled, and a new law was issued to legalize political parties in the country. Jordan's National Charter was ratified in 1990, embodying the democratic values of the leadership and people. It reiterated the principles of human and civil rights and the equality of opportunity for men and women alike, and provided a broad range of democratic freedoms.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Jordan welcomes local and international human rights groups to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and publish its findings of government policy. The ICRC is regularly granted permission to visit prisoners and assess the conditions of security detainees in Jordan.

The issue of human rights has many active supporters in Jordan. Active NGOs include the Arab Organization for Human Rights, Jordan Society for Human Rights, Women Committee Forum, and the Human Forum for Women's Rights. On the governmental level, the Royal Commission for Human Rights, The Human Rights Department at the Prime Ministry, the Public Freedoms Committee at the Jordanian Parliament, and the Supreme Court of Justice work to ensure equality and justice, and to monitor the protection of the rights and freedoms of all Jordanians.

Jordan has shouldered enormous human responsibilities. The country has given shelter to three influxes of Palestinians refugees amounting to 1.6 million individuals - a third of Jordan's population. Today, most if not all of the Palestinian refugees carry the Jordanian nationality. Most of these refugees have been integrated into the Jordanian society and less than 300,000 remain in refugee camps. Jordan is proud that all its citizens enjoy equality, civil and human rights regardless of their origin, and the freedom to participate as equals in the democratic process.

Jordan has ratified and signed more than sixteen international Agreements, Treaties, and Declarations on human rights:

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
International Convention against Apartheid in Sports
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others
Convention on the Political Rights of Women
Convention on the Nationality of Married Women
Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages
Protocol amending the Slavery Convention signed in Geneva on 25 September 1926
Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery
Convention Against Corruption

Jordan also signed the two optional protocols on the rights of the child concerning pornography and the situation of children in armed conflict.

Jordan is party to the Rome statute for the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Jordan was the first Arab country to ratify the ICC Statute.

Furthermore, Jordan has participated actively in all international conferences and forums with the aim of promoting equality of human dignity, mutual respect, tolerance and justice.
Jordan has shown throughout the years a high level of co-operation with the UNHCR and other United Nations agencies on the issue of refugees (including Iraqis) and displaced persons, to help preserve their rights and insure justice.

Freedom of the press was a main component of Jordan's democratization process. Laws that guarantee freedom of the press have been launched and a higher council for media and the press was established with the aim of upgrading current existing laws and restructuring the foundations of the media sector on democratic grounds and with more private sector involvement.

The judiciary operates as a separate branch of power in Jordan. The constitution states that the judiciary is completely independent and governed by law. The most recent amended independence of the judiciary law provides the higher judicial council with more authorities regarding the appointment of judges, who pass a free and open competition, and their designation. Also, the amended law does not allow the Minister of Justice, as an executive power, to interfere with the legal procedures and court decisions in Jordan.

In 2000-2001 the Royal Committee for Reviewing Judiciary Bylaws presented several recommendations to enhance the independence of the judiciary. Many of these recommendations are already being implemented. These recommendations include the amendment of both the civil and criminal procedures laws with the aim of fostering the process of adjudication in Jordanian courts, and enforcing an amended regulation that provides judges in the Kingdom with additional financial privileges, including higher salaries and medical insurance, in order to ensure their financial independence.

It is also important to stress that both the government and civilian are equal before the law and abide by the rulings and decisions of the competent courts.

Furthermore, any individual has the right to contest an administrative decision issued by the government at the Higher Court of Justice.

Official Statements Made in Relation to the Official Jordanian Position on Human Rights:

In remarks at Georgetown University in Washington , D.C. on March 21st, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “More than five years ago, Jordan committed to a reform strategy that would accelerate the pace of change… That means educational programs that equip young people to succeed in a modern economy. It means human-rights initiatives that empower women and youth to participate fully in the life of the nation…” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Foreign Press Association in London on November 23^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Our country has made structural changes to increase opportunity and build democratic political life. Human rights are a key part of the effort [reform]. We have established a Human Rights Center , which will serve as an ombudsman. We are working to empower youth and women.” - (see full text)

In remarks to the News Xchange 2004 in Algarve , Portugal , on November 18^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “And we have put significant emphasis on human rights. A new Human Rights Center has been established to act as an ombudsman.” - (see full text)

In remarks before the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations in New York on September 27th, 2004, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “In our view, a meaningful and effective global campaign against this phenomenon [international terrorism] requires consensus on the following principles: Respect for the provisions of the Charter and the rules of international law, and non-transgression against the sovereignty of states; striking a balance between the counter-terrorism measures taken by states and the principles of human rights and public freedoms….” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in Moscow on September 3^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “The goals I have been speaking about, peace and reform, have been a central focus for Jordan . We are at peace with our neighbors. We have committed to a modern, tolerant, open society. To give the entire population a stake in the change process, we have moved steadily forward with institutional reforms: holding elections, reinforcing human rights, and supporting transparent, accountable governance.” - (see full text)

In remarks at the Anglo-Arab Organization in London on July 2nd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “In Jordan, an extensive reform program is well underway. We are determined to help our people achieve their potential, in every sphere… In the public sector, we are cementing human rights… .“- (see full text)

In remarks at the tenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Kuala Lumpur on October 16^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "Poverty, ignorance, absence of social justice, and disrespect for human rights, form a fertile environment for extremism and violence. It becomes thus imperative that we cooperate amongst ourselves to achieve development and social prosperity that would enable our peoples to live in climates of freedom, justice, and respect for human rights." - (see full text)

In remarks at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs in Stockholm on Oct. 8^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, " Jordan 's basic goal is a society that empowers its people, and offers opportunity to all. That means an inclusive, democratic civil society, one that provides real hope and real solutions - political and economic stability, economic growth, and genuine social empowerment." - (see full text)

During an interview with Svenska Dagbladet Newspaper on October 6^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "We in Jordan have been working actively to promote human rights, civil liberties and the due role of women in society and to ensure their equal rights."

Adding that, "We have come a long way but more work still needs to be done... " - (see full text)

In his address at the mid-term Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership on May 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “Human rights and democracy are a basic tenet of Jordan 's political life. Indeed, our concern for the protection of the fundamental rights of the individual is enshrined in The Constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan of 1952, as well as the Jordanian National Covenant of 1990, and the law on political parties of 1992. All these laws are compatible with international human rights standards.”
He added that “ Jordan has always been committed to the protection of human rights. An example of this commitment is portrayed through the performance of a number of NGOs such as the National Center for Women Rights, the Public Freedom Committee at the Parliament, and the National Center for Human Rights.” - (see full text)

His Majesty King Abdullah in his address to the nation on May 25th, 2003 on the occasion of Independence Day, said that “The time has come to intensify our efforts in order to accelerate the political development process, reinvigorate the role of political parties, and continue to preserve public freedoms. I will personally follow up on this issue with utmost interest and keen pursuance." - (see full text)