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 joint interagency appeal to the international community seeks a total of US$ 84;;833;;647 million to provide support to national efforts aimed at improving access to health care for displaced Iraqis living in Syria;; Jordan and Egypt. The activities prioritized in the appeal are based on the Common Action Framework agreed upon during the Ministerial Consultation to Address the Urgent Needs of Displaced Iraqis;; convened by WHO in Damascus from 29-30 July 2007.

This report analyzes the nature of child labor in Jordan. Child labor is defined as “the active participation of any child less than 16 years of age in any economic activity;; regardless of the type of work;; the employer;; the nature of the job;; or the activity.” This report examines the magnitude of child labor in Jordan based on the existing information and the collection of additional field data (both qualitative and quantitative) on the causes;; conditions;; and consequences of child labor. This report also aims to identify sub-populations of children most at risk to child labor;; investigate inadequacies in Jordanian laws and legislation with regards to child labor;; and examine vocational training programs and existing non-formal education programs for school drop-outs in relation to child labor. With regards to methodology;; information on child labor in Jordan was obtained through both primary and secondary sources;; including previous studies;; interviews;; and a field survey. After careful analysis;; this report makes a number of recommendations which aim to combat illegal of harmful child labor in Jordan.

هذا التقرير يستعرض جميع السياسات والتشريعات والممارسات والاجراءات الوطنية لبيان مدى اتفاقها مع الالتزامات المبنية في اتفاقية القضاء على جميع اشكال التمييز ضد المرأة;; بالاضافة إلى القاء الضوء على مساهمة المرأة في التنمية السياسية والاقتصادية والاجماعية. اضافة إلى ذلك;; فإن هذا الملخص يعرض الانجازات والتحديات ذات الصلة بحقوق المراة في مجال المساواة وعدم التمييز التي وردت في التقرير على صعيد: المشاركة في الحياة العامة;; محور التشريعات ;; محور الأمن البشري والحماية الاجتماعية;; ومحور التمكين الاقتصادي;; ومحور الاعلام.

This report provides an overview of the status of early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Jordan;; Lebanon;; Sudan;; and Syria. It examines the contextual factors influencing ECCE;; highlighting current policies;; challenges;; and strategies for improvement and expansion. The report underscores the paucity and limitations of available data. Findings show that ECCE services have improved but regional disparity and dominance of the private sector prevail. None of the four countries but Jordan has a full-fledged national strategy and policy on ECCE. Challenges identified include lack of qualified teachers;; societal misconceptions about the unique features of early childhood;; and lack of research-based studies. Innovative projects show that NGOs have been instrumental in addressing the needs of marginalized children.

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