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Crime Rate Rises in Jordan, but Experts Blame Economic Pressures

Amman, Jordan - The Jordan Times reported on Monday that the country has seen a significant rise in crime over the past five years. According to official figures, the majority of these crimes took place in Amman.

Experts Attribute Crime Surge to Economic Pressures

However, experts have attributed this increase in crime to economic pressures rather than any involvement by refugees. In fact, a recent study found that refugees had “limited involvement” in criminal activities.

The study, conducted by Alshoubaki and Harris, noted that many refugee camps are located along borders, making them more vulnerable to crimes such as smuggling and drug trafficking. However, the researchers emphasized that these practices are common in refugee camps and border areas of conflict zones worldwide.

A review of the literature on serious and organized crime in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reveals a significant growth in transnational organized crime networks. The Arab Spring has led to the downfall of governments in Egypt and Libya, creating a power vacuum that has allowed criminal organizations to flourish.

  • The US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2018 highlighted shortcomings in anti-trafficking measures in Jordan, including underreporting of cases, lack of sufficient resources, and vulnerability of victims to arrest and deportation.
  • A review of the literature on serious and organized crime in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reveals a significant growth in transnational organized crime networks.

Legislative Gaps

Jordan passed its Anti-Human Trafficking Law in 2009, but critics argue that the law is not fully implemented. The NGO Tamkeen has identified several reasons for this, including:

  • A lack of available interpreters
  • Weak translation processes
  • A tendency for victims to be pressured into silence

The US Department of State’s report also highlighted the need for stronger penalties for sex trafficking offenses and sufficient resources to identify and care for victims.

Corruption Remains a Problem

Jordan’s Penal Code criminalizes corruption, but experts argue that it is not effectively implemented. Corrupt public officials are rarely prosecuted, and high-ranking civil servants are often shielded from accountability.

The rise in crime in Jordan highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing economic pressures, strengthening anti-trafficking measures, and combating corruption.