Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a stern appeal to the Jordanian government to cease the forcible eviction of the Bedul community from the Petra region, a move the rights organization describes as a violation of both human and cultural rights. The evictions have been underway since late 2024, targeting families who have traditionally lived within the historical bounds of Stooh al-Nabi Harun Mountain.

Adam Coogle, the deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at HRW, criticized the actions, emphasizing the contradiction in the government's approach: “Jordan can’t claim to protect Petra’s living heritage while sidelining the community that embodies it." He urged for cooperation with UNESCO to ensure that the rights of the Bedul are safeguarded and that they are involved in future planning of the area.

The forced relocations began gaining momentum after UNESCO designated Petra as a World Heritage Site in 1985, ostensibly under the pretext of preserving the archaeological integrity of the site. However, the current wave of evictions has raised serious concerns about the violation of the Bedul's rights to housing, economic stability, and access to clean water.

Locals have reported severe disruptions to their daily lives, including the suspension of water services which has forced them to either fetch water from a polluted stream or travel to a nearby village, thereby jeopardizing their health and agricultural activities. The proposed relocation site, according to community members, lacks adequate transportation and is isolated from essential services and familial connections.

Fares al-Braizat, chair of the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), frames these evictions as part of a broader strategy to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of tourists visiting the site. Nevertheless, this stance has been met with skepticism and criticism from both local and international observers who view these actions as detrimental to the Bedul community, recognized by UNESCO as part of the living heritage of Petra.

In light of these developments, HRW has called on Jordanian authorities, UN agencies, and global actors to formally recognize the Bedu as Indigenous people, in line with international standards, to afford them greater protection and involvement in the stewardship of their ancestral lands. The ongoing situation poses a significant test for Jordan, balancing the imperatives of cultural preservation and tourism with the fundamental rights and dignities of its indigenous populations.