Social Rights Monitor – Jordan

Recommendations

The overall perception of the respondents to EU-Jordan relations is positive, recognizing that there are several projects implemented with EU support in the country. The respondents actively follow bilateral relations and have been consulted by the EU delegations at national level. Nevertheless, they note the sporadic nature of these consultations and that the focus remains on security, stability and refugees on the ground. 

• Given that the EU-Jordan partnership framework is based as well on the promotion of human rights, prosperity in the country and the partnership envisages assistance for the implementation of political and economic reforms, it is important that the partnership promotes sustainable socio-economic policies and strengthens social and economic inclusion and local sustainable development.
• The role of civil society in the implementation of the partnership is key, as well as the financial assistance provided by the EU. EU recognition of Jordan’s vibrant civil society should be further enhanced by giving them a voice and enhancing an enabling environment through structured dialogue, transparent and inclusive consultation processes for all issues of concern, rather than security and stability only. The EU should enhance its dialogue with the Jordanian authorities on an enabling environment by promoting international human rights standards, and the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression.
• ENP implementation should contribute to achieving a human-rights based approach to social protection and universal coverage to all people by appropriate and effective social protection mechanisms. Assistance provided to the Jordanian government should also prioritize undertaking reforms at the level of social protection; aim at expanding social protection coverage and develop a comprehensive database of work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
• Whereas the 2017 report on EU-Jordan relations within the framework of the ENP continues to refer to numeric figures of GDP growth, the respondents to the SRM tool highlight the need for revising this approach towards a comprehensive approach to growth; one that is rights-based and sustainable, job-generating, inclusive and re-distributive.
• Bearing in mind working conditions in particular, private sector development within the partnership should have a clear mandate to enhance productivity and improve productive sectors with added-value production. Furthermore, the implementation of the ENP, while encouraging private sector engagement should also aim to fight corruption, informality, tax havens and illicit financial flows.