Interview with the author: Ghossun Rahhal

How would you describe the situation of freedom of association in Jordan ?
Notwithstanding, the political stability and the strong legal system in Jordan, where the right to, both, establish and join association is guaranteed, the situation of freedom of association in Jordan is not promising especially under the current “anti- terrorist” policy. Not to mention, the administrative restrictions and legislative limitations that render the effective role of the civil associations almost impossible. 

What is the main positive point in the current situation?
The main positive point is that Jordan had ratified human rights conventions and treaties which could be considered as a good start for advocacy and lobbying to put pressure on the government to respect its international commitments and integrate them into national legislation.

The main negative point ?
The main negative point, perhaps, is the “security mentality” when dealing with civil society organizations in general and human rights organizations in particular.

What are the main obstacles to the normal use of the freedom of association in Jordan ?
One obstacle is, the administrative and security-based restrictions imposed, directly or indirectly, on the work of professional associations and political parties. Another one is the legal provisions, which do not comply with the international standards. For example, taking criminal actions, including imprisonment, against members of civil organizations or political parties, authorizing the minister to dissolve the association, obtaining a prior approval from the Minister and the Administrator for establishing any association.

What is your personal opinion about the future of freedom of association in Jordan?
To be honest, I am not optimistic about the future of freedom of association in Jordan. The government is planing to inact a new law on associations, in which more restrictions are imposed on the work of civil society ,as well as , more authorizations relegated to the Minister. In addition to the new legislations concerning eleminating terror, which obiously narrow the circle of freedom of association more and  more. Baring in mind, that the civil society can not count on the role of the parliament to seize passing such new legislation because, of its structuring , which is based on the principle of «  one mane one vote » , and its weak performance .  Under these  circunstances , I think that the future of freedom of association in Jordan will be facing many dark spots, unless the civil society, in a whole, managed to organize itself and stand solidly before all these presures in order to make a change.