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Draft:Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD)

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Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Amman, Jordan, established in 2008. ARDD works to promote justice, social inclusion, and democratic participation across the Arab region through legal aid, social protection, advocacy, and research.

History

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ARDD was founded in 2008 as ARDD–Legal Aid to respond to the protection needs of displaced populations, particularly Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Initially focused on legal assistance, ARDD expanded its mandate as the needs of refugees, migrants, and host communities evolved to include social, economic, and developmental dimensions. Inspired by the ideals of the Arab Renaissance (Nahda), the organization rebranded to its current name to reflect its broader mission of advancing rights, empowerment, and sustainable development.

Mission and Vision

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Vision:

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An Arab world in which all people enjoy fair, inclusive, and sustainable rights and opportunities.

Mission:

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To contribute to a new Arab renaissance grounded in democracy, development, and social justice-through research, policy influence, and community-based initiatives promoting independence, authenticity, and decolonization.

Leadership

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  • Samar Muhareb, Chief Executive Director
  • Board of Trustees and regional advisors from civil society, academia, and development sectors.

Programs and Activities

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ARDD implements multi-sectoral programs addressing:

  • Legal aid and human rights protection for refugees and marginalized groups
  • Social protection and economic empowerment for vulnerable communities
  • Gender equality and women’s leadership through initiatives with UN Women
  • Localization and humanitarian coordination via the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF)
  • Policy research and advocacy through the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC)

ARDD’s work has reached more than 600,000 individuals through legal and development programs.

Major Campaigns

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  • Reclaiming the Future – Promoting women’s role in peace and justice in the Arab world.
  • No More Nakbas – Advocacy campaign supporting Palestinian rights.
  • Together to Defeat COVID-19 – Relief program aiding over 150,000 families affected by the pandemic.
  • Don’t Go Campaign (2014) – Addressing irregular migration among youth.
  • Documentation for Syrian Refugees in Jordan (2017) – Legal documentation and birth registration initiative.

Awards

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Al Nahda Localization Award (est. 2021)

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Co-founded by ARDD and JONAF, recognizing leadership in localization and humanitarian work.

  • 2024: AECID Jordan
  • 2023: Dominik Bartsch (UNHCR)
  • 2022: Baptiste Hanquart (JIF)
  • 2021: Anders Pedersen (UN Resident Coordinator)

Ethics in Business Award (with Jordanian Businessmen Association)

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Annual award promoting ethical business practices and sustainable leadership in Jordan’s private sector.

Partnerships

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ARDD collaborates with numerous United Nations agencies and international partners, including:

  • UNHCR – Legal aid and protection
  • UN Women – Gender equality and leadership
  • UNDP – Governance and inclusive development
  • UN-Habitat – Community-led urban planning
  • OHCHR – Human rights documentation and reporting
  • OCHA – Humanitarian coordination

It also partners with universities, local NGOs, and government bodies in Jordan and across the Arab region.

Research and Publications

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Through its Renaissance Strategic Center, ARDD produces research on:

  • Localization and civil society (e.g., Strengthening Localisation in Jordan)
  • Refugee rights and protection (Syrian Refugees’ Perceptions of the Justice Sector)
  • Women’s empowerment and social justice (Silent Women, Between Poverty and Prison)
  • Education and livelihoods (Fostering a Culture of Responsibility and Accountability, Strengthening Self-Reliance through TVET)
  • Palestinian refugees and statelessness (Voices of Palestinian Refugee Youth Across the Near East)

Annual reports and policy briefs are available on ardd-jo.org and renaissancestrategiccenter.com.

Media Coverage and Recognition

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ARDD has been featured in numerous international and regional media outlets, including:

ARDD’s research and reports have also been cited in publications by the United Nations, World Bank, IFC, OHCHR, Taylor & Francis, and Boston University IHRC.

See Also

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  • Civil society in Jordan
  • Refugee rights in the Middle East
  • Women’s empowerment in Arab states
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References

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  1. UNHCR Jordan. “Legal Protection – Legal Assistance for Refugees, Jordan.” UNHCR Help – Jordan, provides service partnership details with ARDD. UNHCR Help
  2. “ARDD provides relief aid to over 16,000 families impacted by pandemic across Jordan.” The Jordan Times, 31 May 2020. Jordan Times
  3. “Over 150,000 beneficiaries reached by ARDD in 2021.” The Jordan Times, 4 Nov 2021. Jordan Times
  4. United Nations in Jordan. “UN-Habitat and ARDD Sign MoU to Mainstream Community-Led Neighbourhood Planning in Jabal Amman.” 5 Oct 2023. The United Nations in Jordan
  5. EuroMed Rights. “Arab Renaissance for Democracy & Development (ARDD) – Legal Aid.” Organization profile. euromedrights.org

Category:Non-governmental organization (NGO) Category:Jordan Category:Non-governmental organizations Category:Human rights

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