The waee Center launches an awareness campaign on the Defense Law under the slogan: “For the sake of Jordan… we will comply,” waee

The waee Center for Human Rights Training launches a legal awareness campaign to educate the public on the provisions of the Defense Law and ways to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This comes after a Royal Decree approving the Jordanian Cabinet’s decision to activate the Defense Law No. (13) of 1992, effective 17 March 2020, due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus and its spread in Jordan.

The campaign explains that Article (2) of the law stipulates that in the event of the spread of a pandemic or epidemic, the Defense Law is declared in force by a Royal Decree issued based on a Cabinet decision, waee.

Article 124 of the Jordanian Constitution states that if circumstances arise requiring the defense of the country during a state of emergency, a law shall be issued called the Defense Law.

Under this law, authority is granted to the person designated by the law to take the necessary measures and procedures, including the power to suspend the ordinary laws of the state, in order to ensure the defense of the nation.

The Defense Law comes into force when it is declared by a Royal Decree issued based on a decision of the Council of Ministers, waee.

It appears that the scope of application of the law, as stated in Article (2), provides that in cases where circumstances arise requiring the defense of the nation during a state of emergency that threatens national security or public safety across all or part of the Kingdom, this may be due to:

• the outbreak of war, or the existence of a situation threatening its occurrence,
• internal armed disturbances or sedition,
• public disasters,
• or the spread of a pandemic or epidemic.

In such cases, the Defense Law is declared in force by a Royal Decree issued based on a decision of the Council of Ministers, waee.

It also stipulates that the Royal Decree must include a statement specifying the situation that led to the declaration of the Defense Law, the geographical area in which it applies, and the date on which it comes into effect, waee.

This campaign comes under the slogan “For Jordan… we will comply,” aiming to raise awareness about the provisions of the law and the Defense Orders issued by the Prime Minister, as well as the penalties for violations.

It also highlights how public awareness contributes to reducing the spread of the virus, protecting others, and emphasizing that prevention is essential for safeguarding both individuals and society as a whole, waee.