Civic Space in the Arab Region

This observatory seeks to cover and analyze civil society news in the Arab region, and to keep up with civil society in all its challenges and transitions
May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 Libya: Economic conditions continue to deteriorate and political stalemate persists Egypt: Judicial harassment and restrictions on civil society continue Jordan: NGOs continue to operate within a restrictive environment shaped by structural constraints. Lebanon: Civil Society Organizations during War Morocco: Judicial and security measures to restrict youth activism and public protests Palestine: Challenges facing the work of Palestinian NGOs Sudan: Serious violations of international humanitarian law Tunisia: Freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly face pressure Morocco: Human Rights and Political Developments Sudan: War and Humanitarian Devastation Palestine: Systematic attacks on civil society offices continue Tunisia: The ongoing crackdown against dissidents continues
Jordan: Reality and Challenges
Oct 11, 2023

Jordanian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have recently played influential roles in the political, economic, and social fields and served as a public space between the State and people by adopting and defending human rights principles in every sense. This has contributed to their role as a safety valve in protecting spaces of freedom despite the many legislative, political, and procedural constraints governing their work. 

The political transition process taking place in the country is characterized by two trends: The first trend is driven by the preservation of Jordan's image abroad, making it appear as a moderate country that enjoys global acceptance in terms of stability and an acceptable level of adherence to international laws and democratic standards; this image is necessary for it to continue to enjoy Western political and economic support and to engage with the United Nations and international financial institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.