In the wake of years of severe violations committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, accompanied by an almost complete international silence, civil society in Jordan faces a dual challenge: How can it rebuild trust in itself and its objectives? And how can citizens regain confidence in the fundamental values of human rights and freedoms?

Since the genocidal war on Gaza, followed by the politicization and selectivity in the human rights system and international humanitarian law, the challenges to the independence of civil society institutions have intensified, particularly in the face of linking aid to conditions or suspending and reducing grants from certain donors.

Within this turbulent regional and international context, the independence of civil society becomes a real necessity, not a luxury that can be postponed. Without strong and independent civil institutions, achieving any progress in rights protection or enhancing community participation becomes difficult.

Civil society organizations in Jordan face multiple pressures, the most significant being their reliance on external funding. This reality weakens their independence and limits their ability to influence local affairs.

Here lies the importance of the vision presented by Dawood Kitab, Director General of the Community Media Network, during the annual "Himam" forum, when he called for linking the work of these institutions directly to serving the local community and defending its interests. This approach enhances the credibility of institutions, restores public trust in them, and grants them the capacity to influence actual decision-making.

Rebuilding trust begins from within. Civil society independence means granting organizations the space to operate freely, away from political interference or external pressures, while providing governmental support that facilitates their work rather than restricting it. An independent civil society is the true guardian of freedoms and rights, capable of monitoring governmental performance and demanding citizens’ rights, even in the absence of effective international support.

This process is incomplete without an educational approach that reinforces the values of active citizenship, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Schools, universities, and media all play a pivotal role in instilling these values and convincing citizens that their voices matter and that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Restoring civil society in Jordan is not an optional endeavor; it is a strategic necessity for building a nation in which citizens trust that their rights are protected and their voices heard. Regaining lost trust requires courageous institutions, independent civil society, a clear vision from the state, and genuine citizen participation. Only a society that trusts itself and its values can confront challenges and transform frustration into positive energy for building a more just and dignified future.