The media strategy pointed to the need to establish a media complaints council in
accordance with international models of ethical and professional principles, which are
deemed a reference to journalistic and media behaviors and best practices. Notwithstanding
the recent consultations between the government, institutions, relevant civil society
organizations and the Journalists' Syndicate to agree on the form and reference of the
Council and the legal form, of which the council will be adopted, whether in the form of a
law or a regulation. To date, neither this council has not been yet established nor its main
features been yet identified.
Right of peaceful assembly and freedom of association (arts. 21-22)
21- There has been no significant change in the Law amending the Jordanian Public
Gatherings Act No. 5 of 2011, read with the original Law No. 7 of 2004, as a single Law. In
particular, there has been no change in the definition of the right to public assembly, which
is riddled with some legal ambiguities, though it is considered a constitution rights under
Article (16) of the Jordanian Constitution.
22- Despite the developments in the current Law,
could be used to impose restrictions on the exercise
local governor’s control and authority in taking
appropriate in accordance with his will. Therefore,
peaceful group activity on administrative pretexts.
it still contains some ambiguities that
of this right. The Law is subject to the
the security measures as he deems
he could impede or prevent holding a
The Public Gatherings, Assemblies, and Demonstrations Regulations for the year 2011, issued
pursuant to the provisions of Article (11) of the Public Gatherings Law and its amendments,
requires organizers to notify the local governor of their intention of holding a meeting, a
gathering, or a demonstration, prior to making announcements or extend invitations.
The Center observed some of the events that were prevented by the local governor on the
grounds that the theme of those meetings contravenes the objectives of the organizations as
inscribed in their license document, registered with the authorities. The Center stressed in
more than one statement that it is not permissible to prevent or obstruct any activity under
this right unless it goes beyond its peaceful nature..
22- The year 2017 witnessed no legislative amendments affecting the right to freedom of
peaceful assembly and the right to found or join trade unions
23- Rights of the child (art. 24)
The Jordanian Labor Law does not permit the employment of the juvenile who did not
complete the age of sixteen in any manner (Article 73), and it is not permissible to employ
the juvenile who didn't complete the age of seventeen in hazardous, exhausting or prejudicial
to health jobs (Article 74). However, these legislations are often violated by civil bodies,
employers, and families. The child labor is a disturbing phenomenon in Jordan. The Center,
with partial funding from the APF, is currently implementing an awareness raising project
on this phenomenon and covers half of the Kingdom's governorates.
In 2008, the Labor Law became applicable on domestic workers, cooks, gardeners and
persons employed in similar occupations, pursuant to a special regulation issued for this
22