The Economic and Social Council of Jordan (ESC) and the UN in Jordan on Tuesday launched a joint policy brief titled, “Domestic Resource Mobilisation: A human rights-based approach to tackling inequalities”.

The policy brief highlights the importance of mobilising the necessary resources to invest in economic, social and cultural rights, and restructuring public expenditure, in addition to reviewing the actions and measures required to improve the taxation regime in Jordan.

UN Resident Coordinator Sheri Ritsema-Anderson highlighted the need for “a human rights economy which seeks to redress root causes and structural barriers to equality, justice and sustainability, by prioritising investment in economic, social and cultural rights”.

Ritsema-Anderson added that a human rights-based approach is crucial to realising the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that this brief aims to reposition public expenditure to prioritise people’s rights and needs.

In his opening remarks, ESC President Musa Shtewi said: “Jordan’s economy still faces significant challenges due to relying on imports, and being situated in a turbulent region.”

He further stressed that the policy brief is timely, as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, also noting that it aligns with the economic, political and administrative reform processes in Jordan.

During the launch event, ESC Secretary-General Metri Madanat gave a brief presentation on Jordan’s taxation regime. He pointed out that taxes accounted for around 70 per cent of the state revenue.

According to Madanat, “there is no fiscal flexibility, as growth in tax revenue did not respond to changes in GDP growth”.