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The National Council for Family Affairs requested technical support from ESCWA to undertake a comprehensive study of national laws and regulations relevant to older persons, a joint initiative that builds directly on the recently launched national strategy. According to an ESCWA announcement, the assessment will pinpoint gaps where protections remain insufficient or dispersed across areas such as social security, healthcare and prevention of abuse. The review arrives as Jordan implements its National Strategy for Older Persons 2025-2030, which sets a target for adopting dedicated legislation by 2029.
ESCWA figures show Jordan is undergoing rapid population ageing that demands stronger legislative safeguards to ensure dignity and participation for a growing segment of society. The National Council for Family Affairs has led development of successive strategies since 2008, with the current edition endorsed last year after extensive consultations facilitated by ESCWA. Mohammad Miqdadi, secretary general of the council, stated that these strategies define institutional roles to improve quality of life and foster intergenerational dialogue.
A consultant will examine existing instruments including the Elderly Care Regulation of 2021 and provisions in the Social Security Law, according to the terms outlined by ESCWA. The study will also assess mechanisms for protecting older persons from violence, neglect and financial exploitation while recommending clearer accountability measures. National workshops held in 2024 and 2025 with ESCWA support highlighted the need for consolidated legislation that moves beyond sectoral rules.
The action plan accompanying the 2025-2030 strategy identifies eight priority pillars, one of which focuses explicitly on legal protections and enforcement against abuse. ESCWA publications note that prior assessments of the 2018-2022 strategy revealed implementation shortfalls that the new review aims to correct through evidence-based recommendations. Coordination with the National Committee for Older Persons and other ministries will form a central part of the process.
Jordan’s constitution contains general clauses on care for the elderly, yet stakeholders have long called for more specific statutes that address contemporary demographic realities. The collaboration extends ESCWA’s ongoing technical assistance to the council, which previously supported strategy formulation and monitoring. Completion of the legal study is expected to feed directly into policy revisions over the next three years.
