The right to access to justice is a cornerstone of human rights, ensuring fair trials for individuals. This right, enshrined in various international conventions, upholds the rule of law. Jordan has made significant strides in affirming this right by acceding to international conventions and incorporating it into its constitutional and national legal frameworks.

Legal Aid Provision in Jordan

Legal aid in Jordan is regulated through multiple laws and is available to Jordanians and non-Jordanians, including refugees. This aid is supported by various stakeholders, such as donors, the UNHCR, and civil society organizations like ARDD (Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development). ARDD focuses on providing protection services throughout the territory, including camp settings.

ARDD prioritizes cases based on legal criteria and the personal or financial situations of individuals, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children and women.

Types of Legal Cases Covered

ARDD, with UNHCR’s support, provide legal services for a wide range of cases.

These include:

• Criminal Cases: offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies, as well as juvenile cases.
• Administrative Detention and Deportation Order Cases: cases related to administrative detention that, in some cases, can lead to deportation orders.
• Documentation Cases: registration of vital events (birth, death…), but also other documentation concerning the issuing of passports, citizenship documents, and service cards for Syrian refugees.
• Personal Status Law cases: marriage, inheritance, divorce (alimony, visitation rights), custody, and guardianship.
• Labor Law Cases: provision of legal services regarding labor rights (unpaid wages, work injury compensation, social security benefits…), work permits, and associated residency in Jordan.
• Landlord and Tenancy Cases: misconduct of landlords or tenants in violation of the rights of one of the parties, including payment of rent, utilities, and/or maintenance; disputes regarding contractual terms; appropriate use of the premises; and other general disputes (exploitation and threats…)
• Miscellaneous Cases: The ARDD legal aid team regularly receives requests concerning the preservation of individual rights, including issues such as the illegal retention of documentation as a warranty of payment, access to educational services, cash assistance, and travel and visa cases.

These cases are crucial due to their profound impact on individuals’ security, legal status, social standing, and economic well-being.

The infographics on Legal Aid Efforts in 2023

These infographics showcase the comprehensive efforts by ARDD and UNHCR to provide legal aid to those unable to afford it. This includes misdemeanor cases and other essential protection matters, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable categories are met in a way that complements the available legal services.

Accumulated Knowledge and Continued Needs:

ARDD’s legal aid unit has gained substantial expertise through its specialized efforts. However, the demand for these services remains vast, necessitating institutionalization and sustainability to meet ongoing needs effectively.

To enhance Legal Aid services in Jordan and to institutionalize and sustain these efforts, we offer the following recommendations. These proposals are based on recent collaborations between ARDD, UNHCR, and other partners in the Protection Working Group in Jordan:

1. Expand Coverage: Broaden the scope of legal aid to cover more types of cases and individuals, particularly those not currently entitled to assistance.
2. Strengthen Institutional Frameworks: Enhance the legal and administrative frameworks to support the provision and sustainability of legal aid services.
3. Increase Funding: Secure more funding from international donors and partners to expand the reach and impact of legal aid services.
4. Capacity Building: Invest in training and capacity-building initiatives for legal aid providers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
5. Public Awareness: Raise awareness among the public about the availability and importance of legal aid services, focusing on vulnerable groups.
6. Collaborative Efforts: Foster greater collaboration among stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to streamline and improve legal aid services.

By implementing these recommendations, Jordan can further advance its commitment to ensuring access to justice for all individuals, thereby strengthening the rule of law and promoting community development.