This research study aims to investigate child labor in Irbid to provide a deep understanding of and knowledge about the socio-economic and cultural context of working children in Irbid. It also aims to propose intervention programs that maximize the effectiveness of the Family and Childhood Protection Society (FCPS);; an NGO in Irbid that works on issues related to children. Various study results have shown that children often work in dangerous and hazardous conditions where they are exposed to physical and psychological abuse;; in addition to exploitation in terms of minimal pay and long working hours. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to conduct the research presented in this report. In-depth interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from all organizations working on child-related issues and from working children and their family members.

This report aims to review the status of children in Greater Amman and to conduct a capacity assessment of key institutions addressing children’s issues. Various issues are examined;; covering areas such as health;; education;; and socio-economic characteristics. This report also reviews the status of disadvantaged children;; including working children;; orphans;; refugees;; and children with disabilities;; in order to identify vulnerabilities and risk factors specific to them. Finally;; this report assesses the capacity of selected institutions addressing children’s issues in Greater Amman and proposes phased capacity building programs based on the findings of the assessment.

The country profile component of the Manara project is a rigorous and exhaustive report on the status of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It aims to be a resource for identifying gaps and challenges on the status of the implementation of the Convention;; to highlight the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on specific matters;; and to identify commendable practices implemented by the State;; civil society and the international community in addressing these issues. The information was collected by exhaustive literature review and followed by field research involving a series of interviews with identified stakeholders;; government ministries and institutions;; local and INGOs;; academics;; unions and professional associations;; media;; religious authorities and United Nations agencies were contacted and interviewed. The structure of the study is based on the following themes: human rights;; children’s rights;; child labor and violence against children

The Government of Jordan adopted its first Poverty Alleviation Strategy in 2002 recognizing poverty as a key development problem requiring a comprehensive policy for improving the lives of the poor and socially excluded;; increasing their human capabilities;; providing them with economic opportunities and fully integrating them in the society. Considerable progress in poverty reduction has been achieved. The Government has put in place a series of social programs aimed at increasing employment opportunities;; curbing unemployment;; combating poverty and offering in-kind and cash assistance for the poor and marginalized groups within Jordanian society