Overview

The authorities detained over a dozen journalists and activists critical of the government or the King, as well as demonstrators demanding their and others’ release, and blocked a website of activists abroad. A new government shelter for women at risk of being killed by family members helped dozens of women, but others were administratively detained under discriminatory charges and unmarried women were forcibly separated from their newborn children. The minimum age for girls to be married “in special cases” was raised from 15 to 16. Migrant domestic workers were granted permission to return home without paying a fine if they did not have valid permits, but continued to be inadequately protected from abuse by their employers and agents. Jordan continued to offer sanctuary to over 2.8 million refugees, but many Syrian refugees were prevented from entering the country and the number of professions barred to non-Jordanian nationals was increased. Death sentences were passed; there were no executions.

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