Jordan’s Human Rights Record Under Scrutiny
Concerns Over Torture, Administrative Detention, and Gender-Based Violence
A recent report has highlighted concerns over Jordan’s human rights record, sparking criticism from international actors and activists. The country, a key player in regional conflicts, has been accused of failing to address issues such as torture, administrative detention, and gender-based violence.
Lack of Transparency in Investigations
According to the report, Jordanian authorities detained five policemen in connection with the death of a man in custody, but human rights groups have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in investigations into similar cases. The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) has also reported an increase in administrative detentions, with over 34,000 individuals held without charge or trial.
Concerns Over Women’s Rights
The country’s criminal justice system has been criticized for its handling of cases involving women and girls. Article 98 of the penal code allows for mitigated sentences for those who murder their spouses discovered committing adultery, while article 9 of the nationality law does not allow Jordanian women married to non-Jordanian spouses to pass on their nationality to their spouse and children.
International Court Dispute
In a separate development, Jordan has appealed a decision by International Criminal Court judges that it had failed to uphold its obligations as a member of the court by not arresting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir when he visited Jordan in March 2017 for the Arab League summit.
US Criticism and Silence on Yemen Attacks
The US government, which has provided significant aid to Jordan, has publicly criticized human rights violations in the country only through annual reports. Human Rights Watch has also documented alleged unlawful attacks in Yemen by a Saudi-led coalition that includes Jordanian forces, but Jordan has not responded to inquiries regarding its role in these attacks.
King Abdullah II Rejects Proposed Peace Plan
King Abdullah II has rejected an alleged US-sponsored proposal to join the Palestinian West Bank to Jordan as a “confederation” as part of a peace plan. The king described the proposal as a “red line.”
Calls for Greater Accountability and Transparency
The report has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency from human rights groups and activists, who say that Jordan’s government must do more to address these concerns.
- Human rights groups are demanding greater transparency in investigations into cases of torture and administrative detention.
- Activists are calling for reforms to the country’s criminal justice system to ensure equal treatment for women and girls.
- The international community is urging Jordan to uphold its obligations as a member of the International Criminal Court.