The world celebrates International Workers’ Day on the first of May each year, a global occasion to honor the efforts of workers across all sectors and to reaffirm their pivotal role in advancing production and development. On this occasion, the National Centre for Human Rights extends its appreciation and respect to all workers in Jordan, expressing pride in their continued contributions to building the nation and advancing its development path.
The Centre affirms that the right to work is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Jordanian Constitution. Article (23) stipulates that “work is a right for all citizens, and the State shall provide it to Jordanians by directing and developing the national economy.” It also emphasizes the need for fair and equitable legislation that protects workers, preserves their dignity, and ensures decent working conditions. This aligns with Jordan’s international commitments, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which guarantees in its Article 7 the right to just, favorable, and safe working conditions. The Covenant has become part of the national legal framework following its ratification and publication in the Official Gazette.
In this context, the Centre stresses the importance of continuing national efforts to strengthen and improve the labor market environment, contributing to reducing unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women, and providing decent and sustainable job opportunities. It also underscores the need to review relevant economic policies to enhance employment efficiency and ensure fairness in the distribution of opportunities.
The Centre further reiterates the importance of periodically reviewing the minimum wage in line with living requirements and rising costs of living, in addition to strengthening occupational safety and health measures in workplaces, and intensifying oversight to ensure compliance with decent work standards, thereby protecting workers from any violations that may affect their rights.
The Centre also calls for strengthening the link between education and vocational training outcomes and labor market needs, in order to reduce the gap between supply and demand, improve the efficiency of the national workforce, and enhance its competitiveness in both local and regional labor markets.
In this regard, the Centre emphasizes the importance of continuing national efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, poverty reduction, and reducing inequalities, as key pillars for achieving comprehensive development.
In conclusion, the National Centre for Human Rights highly values the efforts of workers across all sectors and expresses its appreciation for their vital role in serving the nation and advancing its progress. The Centre wishes them continued success under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein.
