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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