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