Jordan’s recent actions involving the eviction of Palestinian refugees in Amman have drawn significant attention from international human rights organizations. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Jordanian authorities forcibly evicted residents from the al-Mahatta camp, demolishing their homes to make way for an urban development project. This endeavor, aimed at improving living conditions and managing urban growth, allegedly bypassed several crucial legal procedures.
The human rights organization highlighted that the evicted residents reportedly received minimal notice—between two weeks to a month—and were made vague verbal promises of compensation without substantive engagement or transparency in the process. HRW contends these actions violate international legal standards, particularly those protecting the right to adequate housing and living standards. Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, emphasized that displacing families without appropriate procedures leaves many vulnerable and without necessary resilience-building support.
Concerns continue to emerge regarding Jordan’s compliance with international requirements, such as those outlined by the UN Human Rights Council, which mandates states to provide timely and adequate notice, fair compensation, and access to legal assistance. Alarmingly, the proposed compensation is reportedly below international compensation standards. Mayor Yusuf Shawarbeh’s assertion that residents were “encroaching on state land” seemingly undermined their entitlement to full compensation, framing the government’s offer as a form of charity.
These developments have sparked a call for Jordanian authorities to realign their actions with international norms. International law, notably the guidelines outlined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, explicitly prohibits forced evictions without justified compensation, irrespective of the legal status of residents’ property claims. This aligns with Article 11.1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Jordan is a signatory, ensuring the right to adequate housing.
The unfolding situation in Amman highlights the ongoing tension between national development objectives and adherence to international human rights standards. For further insights, access the original report by JURIST News.