# Samar Haj Hassan

Samar Haj Hassan (Arabic: سمر حاج حسن), (born in 15 May, 1963) is a Jordanian politician and activist for women’s rights, a former member of the Jordanian Senate and commissioner in the Independent Election Commission (Jordan). She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights (Jordan) and was on the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System, appointed as the President of the Women’s Empowerment sub-committee.
As of 2024, Samar has expanded her influence in human rights advocacy by assuming significant new international roles:
* Regional Chairperson for the Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (APF): Elected to this position in 2024, she leads the APF Governance Committee, aiming to strengthen human rights mechanisms and support member institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
* Member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Bureau: Her role involves coordinating global efforts to promote and protect human rights, representing National Human Rights Institutions at an international level.
* President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions: Starting November 23, 2024, she began serving a term that will continue through the years 2024-2025, emphasizing her pivotal role in advancing human rights in the Arab region.

## Early life

Samar Haj Hassan was born in Amman, Jordan. She pursued higher education in International Business and Marketing in Switzerland. Samar is the daughter of Khaled Subhi Haj Hassan, a prominent Jordanian politician who served in various ministerial roles over several decades.

## Career

Samar Haj Hassan founded Mahara Professional Consultancies in Development, which focuses on social and human development services. Her involvement extended to advising various national committees and programs dedicated to family affairs.
Prominently, she served as a member of the 25th Jordanian Senate, where her contributions significantly influenced national legislation and policy-making processes.
In 2007, Haj Hassan pursued a parliamentary seat in the Jordanian elections as an independent candidate representing the Amman governorate.
Appointed to the Independent Election Commission of Jordan in 2014, she was reappointed in 2016. During her tenure, she was notably the only woman on the commission, playing a critical role in overseeing electoral integrity.
In January 2021, her expertise was recognized internationally when she joined the Strategic and Advisory Committee of the European Centre for Electoral Support, where she contributed to enhancing electoral practices worldwide.
In October 2021, a royal decree was issued appointing Samar Haj Hassan as a non-executive board member of the Al Mamlaka TV for a three-year term, emphasizing her involvement in enhancing media independence and governance.
Furthermore, Haj Hassan was a member of the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System, where she was appointed as the President of the Women’s Empowerment sub-committee, focusing on enhancing the political and social systems to improve the role of women in Jordan.
A royal decree in October 2022 appointed Haj Hassan as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), solidifying her leadership role in advancing human rights in Jordan.
In 2024, she was elected Regional Chairperson for the Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (APF) and also took on responsibilities at the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Bureau. These roles emphasize her capacity as a leader in the global human rights community.
Additionally, in November 2024, she began her term as President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, committing to a significant role in promoting human rights across the Arab region.

## Notable Accomplishments

Electoral Campaign Innovation: In 2007, Samar Haj Hassan distinguished herself by launching one of Jordan's first political campaigns to extensively utilize digital tools, particularly social media, to engage voters. Her approach not only broadened voter interaction, especially among the youth in Amman but also set a new benchmark for modern electoral strategies in the country.
Electoral Commission Leadership: Serving as the only female member of the Independent Election Commission of Jordan, Samar played a pivotal role in the reform of electoral legislation. Her tenure was noted for advances in electoral transparency and fairness, garnering positive evaluations from international observers.
Sustaining 'A Status' Accreditation: Under Samar’s leadership, the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) successfully maintained its 'A status' accreditation. This reaffirmation came after intense scrutiny by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), which confirmed the institution’s full compliance with the Paris Principles, reflecting its ongoing commitment to uphold the highest standards in human rights practices.
Samar Haj Hassan's leadership has been marked by significant contributions to political reform, gender equality, and human rights advocacy, effecting substantial and enduring changes in Jordan's socio-political framework.