National Centre for Human Rights
NCHR
Summary
The NCHR is Jordan's Paris Principles A-status national human rights institution, made permanent by Law No. 51 of 2006. Its Board of Trustees is appointed by Royal Decree and must not hold partisan affiliations (as amended). Under Article 12, it must publish an annual report on human rights conditions submitted to the Senate, Lower House, and Cabinet — with no pre-publication executive review. The NCHR conducts regular unannounced monitoring visits to prisons, police stations, and detention centres (99+ visits in 2023), and receives complaints from detainees and the public. It can access facilities but has no statutory subpoena power and no authority to compel production of internal-affairs or personnel records. Findings are transmitted as recommendations with no binding effect; discipline remains solely within the Public Security Directorate.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- National Centre for Human Rights Law No. 51 of 2006 (and amendments)
- Citation
- Law No. 51 of 2006 (Permanent Law), Arts. 12–13; subsequent amendments requiring partisan-affiliation prohibition for President and Commissioner General
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All public authorities; statutory mandate to conduct announced and unannounced visits to reform and rehabilitation centres, temporary detentions, police stations, and juvenile care homes; receives and investigates complaints of human rights violations including by police and corrections personnel; issues findings and recommendations to competent authorities.