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).