Rights group criticizes Jordan ban on NGO funding

Published November 20, 2014

A leading international rights group says Jordan is stifling civil society by refusing to allow foreign funding for a local legal aid group.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch says a recent Cabinet decision against Tamkeen shows authorities are not serious about reforms. Tamkeen has provided free legal advice to migrant workers in Jordan for the past four years.

Christophe Wilcke, a researcher at HRW, said Wednesday that Jordanian claims of greater transparency and reform ring hollow, if funding is cut off to "effective civil society groups," such as Tamkeen.

A 2009 law makes it easier for non-governmental organizations to register but gives authorities more power to intervene in their work and also requires Cabinet approval for foreign funding.

The government did not immediately comment on the HRW statement.

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