Recent developments in Jordan have stirred international concern as Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the government to halt the displacement of the Bedoul community in Petra. The actions are reportedly violating the community’s economic, social, and cultural rights. This appeal comes amid forcible evictions aimed at relocating the Bedoul, who are recognized by UNESCO as integral to Petra’s living heritage. The evictions have reportedly been justified under the guise of heritage conservation following Petra’s designation as a World Heritage Site in 1985. This controversy underscores a tension between cultural preservation and the rights of indigenous communities.
The evictions began in earnest in late 2024, targeting families residing in the Stooh al-Nabi Harun Mountain area. Residents face severe hardships due to suspended water services, forcing them to travel long distances for potable water, a situation that has also affected agricultural activities vital to their subsistence. The government’s proposed relocation site, characterized by inadequate public transport, threatens to further isolate these families from essential services and community connections.
Fares al-Braizat, Chair of the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), defended the forced relocations as necessary for enhancing the rule of law and ensuring safety for tourists. This stance, however, has met with criticism from several quarters, arguing it marginalizes the very communities that embody the region’s cultural legacy. HRW has advocated for collaborative efforts between the Jordanian authorities and UNESCO to uphold the Bedoul’s rights and support their engagement in Petra’s future.
International calls for the recognition of the Bedoul as Indigenous people, in compliance with global standards, have echoed beyond HRW’s efforts. This broader advocacy emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies that respect and promote the roles of historically marginalized populations in heritage sites. You can read more about this ongoing issue from a recent report on the topic.