Jordan: Implementation of First Cycle UPR Recommendations Falls Short

04 Mar 2013
Today, Alkarama submitted its report in view of the Universal Periodic Review of Jordan, which will take place in October 2013, alongside that of Saudi Arabia. This review sets out to ensure the respect of human rights on the ground in all member States of the United Nations, and is undertaken by the Human Rights Council every four and a half years.
In this second cycle, Alkarama sets out the current situation in Jordan, which is essentially that the authorities have attempted to appease the population since the beginning of the 2011 Arab revolutions with various maeasures, notable legislative and constitution. Unfortunately, these reforms have fallen short of expectations. As a result, discontent continues to simmer in some parts of the population, resulting in demonstrations – sometimes dispersed violently – and efforts by the authorities to maintain control of media content, opposition politicians and civil society.

Key issues of concern highlighted in the report are the ongoing use of torture and other abuses by security forces, as well as the persistence of impunity, which enables abuses, and worse, to continue. Arbitrary arrests and detentions also continue, in many occurrences through the use of administrative detention, or due to unfair trials because of the lack of independence of the judiciary. These arrests and detentions were sometimes in response to protests or those expressing criticism of the King, defamation of government officials and institutions– also applied when officials are accused of corruption – and offending Islam.

Alkarama's first UPR report for Jordan was issued in September 2008, in view of Jordan's February 2009 review. It focused on a then-new counter-terrorism law with an overly broad definition of torture, the role of the State Security Court, the consistent practice of arbitrary arrests and detention, and the role played by the General Investigation Directorate (GID), which had been accused of practicing torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment and punishment. Recommendations addressing these concerns were made by a number of States during the review, but as demonstrated in Alkarama's second contribution, these recommendations have not yet been implemented.

Alkarama therefore calls on the international community to continue to address relevant recommendations to Jordan during its October 2013 review; and encourages Jordan to find the political will and required capacity to address the concerns highlighted in its report.

For more information or an interview, please contact media@alkarama.org (Dir: +41 22 734 1008).

Jordan
Torture
Independence of Justice