Watch the statement here.
Unfortunately, this UPR adoption session is happening as the government continues to unrelentingly crush civic space in Jordan, and prevent peaceful protesters including human rights defenders and journalists from expressing themselves.
Since the 7th of October, the government and its security forces have repressed the ongoing peaceful protests in Jordan against Israel’s bombardment and siege of Gaza with intimidation, harassment, the use of force, and detention of protesters. Protests leaders including human rights defenders have been specifically targeted. Human rights defenders have been arrested in the context of protests, but also from their cars and homes, and many are held in administrative detention without charge or due process, for days, weeks or months. The crime prevention law and articles in the penal code regarding public association are being used against protesters including human rights defenders.
In recent months, the Cybercrime law of 2023, particularly articles 15 and 17, has become a central tool for the government to repress civic space and human rights defenders’ voices. However, Jordan has rejected nearly all recommendations relating to bringing this law under compliance of international human rights standards.
The government accepted a recommendation calling on it to investigate the use of Pegasus spyware, refrain from using it, and hold accountable those responsible. This should be urgently implemented. Jordan is among the countries in the world with the most individuals affected by Pegasus spyware, including human rights defenders and journalists.
Jordan has accepted several recommendations calling on it to create a favourable environment for freedom of expression. We urge Member States to press Jordan to stop the repression and use of administrative detentions against human rights defenders, reform the cybercrime law of 2023, and halt the use of spyware.
