Ensure that legislation designed to regulate the press and other
publications maximizes free expression as guaranteed under international human
rights law, and further ensure that the imposition of any restrictions on the
exercise of freedom of expression are specific and narrowly defined so as not
to place in jeopardy the right of free expression itself.
Repeal the May 1997 law that amends provisions of the press and publications
law.
Facilitate a national debate concerning the full scope of the rights and
responsibilities of the press in a democratic society, and permit a transparent
process by which legislators and other interested parties, including the media,
can deliberate on the factors that strike the best balance between the full
enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression and state regulation of the
print media.
Ensure that any restrictions imposed by law on free expression -
particularly those pertaining to the right of journalists and editors to impart
information and ideas to the public - meet the following dual test: such
restrictions must be specific and not vaguely worded, and must be persuasively
justified by the government as necessary for the protection of national
security, public order, public health or morals, or respect for the rights and
reputation of others, within the strict limits required by international law.
Further ensure that regulation of the print media is applied on a
nondiscriminatory basis, and that financial requirements, as well as monetary
penalties for violations of the law, do not have the effect, intended or
otherwise, of reducing the diversity of the print media or enforcing a regime of
self-censorship on journalists, editors and publishers.
To the European Union and its Member States:
In negotiations between the European Commission and the government of
Jordan concerning the E.U.-Jordan Association Agreement, make clear that
article 2, specifying respect for human rights and democratic principles as an
"essential element" of the agreement, includes Jordan's compliance
with the free expression standards of article 19 of the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights.
In bilateral and multilateral meetings with Jordanian government officials,
urge the government of Jordan to repeal the May 1997 decree amending the 1993
press and publications law.
To the United States Government:
Raise Jordan's compliance with article 19 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights in bilateral discussions with the government of King
Hussein, and urge the government to repeal the May 1997 decree amending the
press and publications law.
In bilateral talks and in public comments, urge the government of Jordan to
ensure that measures designed to regulate the press maximize free expression,
in compliance with international human rights instruments to which Jordan is a
party, and to ensure that restrictions on freedom of expression are specific and
narrowly defined so as not to jeopardize the right to freedom of expression
itself.
To the United States Congress:
Use scheduled hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations and House
International Relations committees, and the Appropriations committees of both
houses, to query the Clinton administration regarding the above recommendations.
Convey to the government of Jordan the concern of the Members with policies
that unduly restrict freedom of expression, and urge the government to repeal
the 1997 law that amends the press and publications law of 1993.
HRW Report : Jordan - A Death Knell for Free Expression? Recommendations