The
fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) brought forth a substantial
increase in recommendations for Jordan, surpassing those received during the
2018 review. While this surge indicates heightened international scrutiny, it
also unveils certain patterns and challenges within the Jordanian government's
response mechanisms.
اضافة اعلان
In
January, Jordan received approximately 290 recommendations from 101 countries
during the discussion of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of
the Human Rights Council in Geneva. In the previous review, Jordan accepted 149
out of 226 recommendations.
Various
governments commended Jordan's efforts while offering suggestions for
improvement. Recommendations ranged from specific legislative amendments to
broader policy changes, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human rights
concerns.
Repetition and generalization of
recommendationsOne
notable observation is the repetition and generality of recommendations, which
might afford the Jordanian government flexibility in ratifying or endorsing
them, potentially allowing it to sidestep certain obligations. Critics,
including Nidal Mansour (cofounder of Center for Defending the Freedom of
Journalists) and leading Himam coalition, argue that the government's swift
rejection of 83 recommendations, though diplomatically communicated, could have
been better addressed through internal consultations, given that some
recommendations are not inherently contentious.
Lack of consultation with civil
society
Before
presenting its response in Geneva, the government missed an opportunity to
engage with civil society organizations back home. Despite requests for involvement
in decision-making processes regarding the acceptance of recommendations, the
government's rapid rejection disappointed many organizations. This failure to
consult threatens the partnership between the government and civil society, a
collaboration vital for effective governance and human rights advancement.
Inadequate Participation and Shadow
Reports
Despite
numerous civil society organizations and youth alliances, their input was not
reflected fully in the government's response. Many shadow reports submitted by
these groups seem to have been overlooked or underutilized, indicating a gap in
harnessing the expertise and insights of grassroots organizations.
The
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva received testimonies
from 63 stakeholders, marking the highest number ever recorded since Jordan's
initiation of submissions to the Universal Periodic Review.
These
testimonies encompassed various sources: 36 were from individual stakeholders,
21 from civil society organizations, and 15 from international human rights
entities. This starkly contrasts with the previous review in 2018, where 21
local individuals and 27 foreign institutions provided testimonies. In the
second review in 2013, the numbers were even lower, with only six local
individuals, five from foreign institutions, and one institutional testimony
from Jordan.
The
themes this time have focused on the rights of the movement and civil society
in general, peaceful assemblies and the law renewing restrictions on funding,
the search for age from all judicial abuses and trade unions, justice and
arbitrary and anti-oppressive detention, topics such as health education and
social security, cultural texts and rights of old groups beyond migrants and
refugees.
Scope of recommendations and
government responses
The
recommendations covered various issues, from women's and disability rights to
cybercrime laws and freedom of expression. Praises were extended for recent
constitutional amendments and political reform initiatives. However, some
recommendations, like those concerning torture and detention, were met with
ambiguity in government responses, leaving room for speculation regarding
future actions.
Expected government action
The
government's acceptance or rejection of recommendations remains pending. In the
previous review, Jordan accepted 149 out of 226 recommendations, indicating a
precedent for selective endorsement. Recommendations from countries like Italy,
Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States emphasized issues such
as torture, freedom of expression, gender equality, and legislative reforms.
Seizing the opportunity: Advancing
reforms for an inclusive society
Jordan's
engagement with the UPR process underscores its commitment to upholding human
rights standards. However, the challenges highlighted, including the need for
transparent decision-making and meaningful consultation with civil society,
point to areas for improvement. Moving forward, Jordan must seize the
opportunity presented by the UPR to enact substantive reforms that address both
domestic concerns and international recommendations, fostering a more inclusive
and rights-respecting society.
We
believe that by fostering a sense of DIGNITY (organization Jordan office) among
the youth, particularly through an initiative aimed at engaging the next
generation in public affairs, they will have the opportunity to receive ongoing
support and guidance in the realm of drafting shadow reports and advocating for
the most pressing issues as they perceive them. This will involve efforts to
refine and amplify these concerns at the grassroots level through sessions,
meetings, and discussions, culminating in the opportunity to bring these issues
to the forefront on an international platform in Geneva, where the Human Rights
Council convenes. This direct engagement with stakeholders, special
rapporteurs, and legal experts represents a crucial step forward for Jordanian
society."
Mohammad
Shamma is a journalist and country
representative for DIGNITY's Jordan office
Disclaimer:
Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Jordan News' point of view.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
