JORDAN: RANGE OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 002074

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KTIP KWMN ELAB JO
SUBJECT: JORDAN: RANGE OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING
DISCUSSION ABOUT DOMESTIC WORKER ABUSE

REF: A. AMMAN 459

B. AMMAN 429

C. AMMAN 242

D. AMMAN 230

E. 08 AMMAN 3388

F. 08 AMMAN 3171

G. 08 AMMAN 2822

H. 08 AMMAN 2206


1. (U) In an effort to engage students on the issues of
domestic worker abuse and human trafficking, the Embassy
recently hosted three viewings of the documentary "Maid in
Lebanon II." The documentary, produced by a Lebanese
filmmaker, depicts the lives of domestic workers in Lebanon,
details the abuse and forced labor conditions that many face,
and discusses the rights and international standards for
foreign domestic workers. The first viewing on July 21 was
attended by approximately thirty University of Jordan (UJ)
students. The other two viewings, held on July 22, were
attended by a total of approximately 80 students of the
American Language Center (ALC). ALC students are primarily
young professionals in fields such as government, IT,
business, and banking and represent a demographic that have
grown up with domestic workers and currently employ them.
Since the showings, the Embassy has shared the films with
NGOs and activists working with domestic workers.


2. (U) Film reaction at the two venues were vastly different,
with ALC attendees showing little sympathy for the plight of
abused domestic workers and UJ students outraged at such
abuse. At the ALC, the vast majority of young professionals
focused on the rights of employers while showing little
concern for labor conditions of domestic workers. For
instance, when discussing Jordan's changes to the labor law
and attempts to protect domestic workers, one attendee stated
and, most audience members agreed, that the labor law is fine
for employees in businesses but that domestic workers need to
first follow "the laws of the household." Most participants
were also shocked by the suggestion that domestic workers
should be given a free day off or even a few hours to go out.
Some audience felt that it was unsafe for a domestic worker
to leave the house alone while others did not trust potential
outside activities that may be undertaken. One attendee even
remarked that the worker may come back with diseases if they
mingle with unsavory element of society. ALC participants
also almost unanimously believed workers should not be given
their passports because then "they could more easily
run-away" or even "leave with stolen goods from their
employers." Some participants even challenged the
documentary's findings, especially the level of physical
abuse, and questioned Poloffs on what statistics and
documented cases are available to show that similar abuse
actually occurs in Jordan. After the discussion, a couple
attendees approached Poloff to continue their argument that
the film was one-sided towards the workers and that
employers' rights must be protected. Since the showings,
activists indicated they are not at all surprised by the ALC
reaction. They see these sentiments first hand in the cases
they handle and report that many of the runaway domestic
workers were not in possession of their passports, were not
allowed to leave the house, could not call home, and had
litle freedom. One activist went so far to say that the only
way to fully protect domestic workers in the current
environment is to eliminate the sector altogether.


3. (U) The tone of the discussion at the University of Jordan
was vastly different, where the students focused on the abuse
of domestic workers and wanted to know what was being done in
both Lebanon and Jordan to help victims. One student said
she was extremely touched by the stories of domestic workers
in the film who had been abused by their employers and
remarked that these workers must be protected. These college

AMMAN 00002074 002 OF 002


students were more inquisitive than the ALC participants and
asked Poloff numerous questions about trafficking. Both
events also provided an opportunity for the Embassy to
highlight Jordan's recent improvements and improved ranking
in the State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report.


4. (U) Comment: During the event at University of Jordan, one
student asked what human trafficking was because she had
never heard of the concept, which emphasizes the importance
of educating the next generation of Jordanian leaders and
employers about these social issues. Post will continue to
engage young people on human trafficking and domestic worker
abuse and will work with the media and NGOs to raise
awareness among this demographic. The voice of the youth has
been largely silent on many of these human rights issues and
they could be playing a more prominent role in societal
debates. The reaction at the ALC, on the other hand, shows
that changing the entrenched public attitude towards domestic
workers will require long-term, coordinated, and dedicated
efforts by the government and international and local
organizations. End Comment.
Beecroft