New initiative educates citizens on constitutional, legal rights

AMMAN  —  The Increase Legal Awareness Initiative enhances public knowledge about the rights and obligations for citizens under the Jordanian Constitution, specifically for the youth population, said Hussam Khasawneh, lawyer and founder of the Increase Legal Awareness Initiative, also known as “Zedne Elman”. 

He told The Jordan Times that many citizens are not fully aware of the rights granted to them under the Jordanian Constitution. 

Khasawneh highlighted that the social empowerment initiative was founded due to his “strong belief that law and justice are the basis on which any society is built”. 

He said that reinforcing legal awareness among society members, especially youth, increases their sense of citizenship and wellbeing, as well as strengthens their respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, enabling them to participate effectively in a free and fair society.

It is a nation-wide awareness campaign, broadcasted every Friday on various social media platforms, Khasawneh said, adding that they have managed to broadcast 30 awareness videos so far. 

“It is your right to know your rights. When you know your rights, you know when they are being respected and protected. You cannot be denied of them,” Khasawneh stated. 

Lawyer Basel Jibreel echoed this statement, telling The Jordan Times that: “It is extremely important to educate people about their rights and duties”.

Jibreel stressed that there is an ongoing need to educate newly graduated youth about the labour law to ensure that the interests of both employers and workers are being considered. 

“Employees and employers lack basic knowledge of the Jordanian labour law,” he added.  

“I urge universities to introduce a ‘work rights course’ for students before graduating,” he said.