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
Algeria: Growing Restrictions on Political Participation, Freedom of Association and Expression Bahrain: Growing Restrictions on Civic Space and Fundamental Freedoms Egypt: Civil Society Developments Iraq: Escalating Restrictions on Civic Space, Press Freedom, and Peaceful Assembly Lebanon: Growing Concerns over Freedom of Expression and Journalism amid Political and Security Developments Libya: the challenges facing the exercise of fundamental freedoms continued Mauritania: Between the expansion of civil society and the decline of civil liberties Morocco: Growing challenges to freedom of expression, organization, and assembly Palestine: Civil space under occupation and internal restrictions Sudan: Civil space under the weight of war and multiple de facto authorities Tunisia: Civic Space Under Growing Pressure Amid Continued Public Mobilization Yemen: Civic Freedoms Under Pressure Across Divided Areas of Control The Arab NGO Network for Development’s Position on Lebanon’s New Media Law May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026
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.