The Ministry of Social Development revealed that 274 individuals have been apprehended for begging since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Among them are 90 minors (children), identified through 272 inspections conducted by the Anti-Begging Directorate in cooperation with the Public Security Directorate (PSD).
اضافة اعلان
Legal Procedures and Juvenile Protection
The Ministry explained that adults are referred to relevant security centers for judicial processing. Minors, however, are placed in specialized protection and care centers under detention warrants issued by a Juvenile Judge. They are later presented to the Juvenile Court, which makes decisions based on reports from probation officers, focusing on social reintegration and protecting the child from returning to the streets.
Campaign Details and Public Awareness
The Ministry urged citizens to direct their donations through official channels and registered charities to ensure support reaches those truly in need.
Operational Scale: 12 daily campaigns are conducted in Amman (6 morning and 6 evening shifts).
Nationwide Reach: Similar campaigns are active across all governorates through field committees.
90% Recidivism Rate
The Ministry highlighted a high recidivism rate (repeat offenses) of approximately 90% among both adults and children. This underscores the need for enhanced awareness and social efforts alongside legal measures to address the root causes of the phenomenon.
Observed Patterns and Organized Exploitation
Common tactics include feigning need, selling minor goods, or soliciting near places of worship. The Ministry noted that some non-Jordanian nationals were also apprehended. While there are no indicators of "organized networks" in the traditional sense, some cases involve the exploitation of individuals by others. Current legislation has tightened penalties for exploiters, reaching up to two years in prison.
Protection Over Punishment: International Standards
A previous study by Save the Children (2024) emphasized that children in begging situations are often victims of exploitation. The study advocates for solutions rooted in:
Education and psychosocial care.
Economic support for impoverished families.
Protection-based approaches rather than punitive ones, in line with international child rights standards.
Legal Framework
Jordanian law criminalizes the exploitation of children and adults in organized or forced begging through:
The Juvenile Law of 2014: Classifies children in begging situations as "children at risk," ensuring protection and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Law No. 9 of 2009: Considers the exploitation of persons in organized or forced begging a crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
