The National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) participated in the “JEEL: Student Movements and Political Party Engagement in Jordanian Universities” Forum, organized by the Politics and Society Institute as part of the “Generation of Modernization” project. The forum brought together representatives of Jordanian universities, political parties, student blocs and student unions, as well as policymakers and stakeholders from the political and higher education sectors.
During the forum’s closing dialogue session, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights, Ms. Samar Al-Haj Hassan, emphasized that the legislation and regulatory measures governing universities constitute the legal framework that safeguards students’ right to engage in student and political activities. She noted that these frameworks are consistent with the Jordanian Constitution and national and international human rights standards, and contribute to strengthening universities as safe, pluralistic spaces where young people can exercise their political rights within the rule of law.
Ms. Al-Haj Hassan stressed the importance of promoting a culture of informed political participation among young people and fostering a university environment based on dialogue, pluralism, and respect for diverse opinions. She underscored that such an environment empowers students to participate effectively in public life while reinforcing the values of citizenship and the rule of law.
The closing session also featured the participation of the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Ali Al-Khawaldeh, and the Executive Director of the Politics and Society Institute, Dr. Rasha Fityan. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen student and political party engagement within higher education institutions and on mechanisms to enhance youth participation in political life.
Participants highlighted the importance of providing a supportive university environment that enables students to exercise their political rights and called for stronger cooperation among universities, political parties, and state institutions to foster political awareness among young people and support Jordan’s political modernization process.
The forum concluded with a set of recommendations, including improving the regulatory framework governing student activities, strengthening the role of student blocs and student unions, expanding institutional dialogue between universities and political parties, and launching sustainable political awareness and leadership development programs for students. These measures aim to enhance youth political participation and create a more open and pluralistic university environment.
The National Centre for Human Rights reaffirmed the importance of continuing dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to translate the forum’s outcomes into practical policies and measures that promote rights and fundamental freedoms within universities, particularly the right to political participation, in line with Jordan’s human rights obligations and the role of universities in preparing future youth leaders.
