The civil society sector in Jordan is very broad, encompassing a large number of organizations with diverse goals, missions, and nature. There are more than six thousand registered associations and nearly two thousand non-profit companies. In addition, labor and professional unions are considered civil society organizations, and they also have a significant influence on society and the state.
These organizations as a whole are subject to multiple laws, including the Associations Law and the Companies Law for non-profit companies, in addition to the laws regulating the work of labor unions and professional associations. These laws vary among themselves in regulating the work of these organizations and in dealing with them. This has also entrenched disparities in the extent of freedom within which they conduct their activities, as well as in the extent to which they adhere to the principles of good governance.
Official bodies responsible for monitoring the affairs of these organizations still generally view them with suspicion and apprehension, for two main reasons. The first is that some civil society organizations, in earlier stages of the Kingdom's history, engaged in activities that were alternatives to political parties, and many of them were in conflict with the authorities. The second reason stems from the practices of some limited organizations that are tainted by a degree of financial corruption due to the weak implementation of governance mechanisms within them.
Campaigns to cast doubt on the role of civil society, exploiting certain practices, have played a significant role in disrupting its work, both during registration and during operation. These campaigns have even led to accusations that civil society organizations implement the agendas and directives of international organizations and external parties that seek the best for the country. These accusations are illogical, given that the various activities and operations of these organizations are restricted to obtaining prior approval from official oversight bodies, including the requirement for prior approval of any foreign funding.
In the presence of regulatory laws, it is no longer justifiable for the continued influence of historical factors that have caused the state to take a negative stance towards some civil society organizations, especially in light of the important role played by these organizations. Under no circumstances should all of civil society be held accountable for the sins of some of its errs or wrongdoers, if such errors and wrongdoings are true. Under no circumstances should accusations be generalized and these organizations be demonized in the presence of legislation regulating their work, nor should their work be disrupted at a time when legislation is available that allows for precise oversight of them, which reaches the point of exaggeration and unjustified severity. These legislations allow for the referral of any offender or violator to the courts for justice to take its course.
It is illogical to substitute the enforcement of laws with baseless accusations against the entire sector, and to reinforce views opposing the existence of these organizations, without whose participation and benefit no country can fulfill its dut
