UNHCR distributes 150,000 masks donated by the Korean government for Syrian refugees in Jordan

H.E. Lee Jae-Wan (right) and UNHCR Field Officer Sondos Elnour (left) holding face masks donated by Korea to refugees living in Azraq.

4 Jul 2021

In support of the continuing measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic in Jordan’s refugee camps, the Republic of Korea has donated some 150,000 N95 face masks to support the COVID-19 response and recovery. While the number of COVID-19 cases in Jordan, including in refugee camps, is stable and low, continued vigilance and adherence to health and safety measures remain essential. Over 20,000 refugees living in refugee camps in Jordan have also already received the COVID-19 vaccine.

To observe the distribution of the masks, as well as other activities of the COVID-19 response and recovery in refugee camps, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, H.E. Lee Jae-Wan, visited Azraq camp, where he had a chance to visit the vaccination centre, the COVID-19 treatment centre, as well as Azraq’s main hospital.

H.E. Lee Jae-Wan (right) and UNHCR Field Officer Sondos Elnour (left) holding face masks donated by Korea to refugees living in Azraq.

In addition to the 150,000 face masks, the Korean government also contributed $1 million, which will enable UNHCR to cover existing gaps in the refugee response and address the needs and challenges of many vulnerable Syrian refugee families in Jordan, who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNHCR and IMC staff briefing H.E. Lee Jae-wan on the COVID-19 response in Azraq camp.

“While Jordan has, since the beginning, included refugees in its COVID-19 response planning, continued support from the international community, such as the funding from the government of Korea, remains critical as we move into the recovery phase of the pandemic,” notes UNHCR’s Representative Dominik Bartsch.

H.E. Lee Jae-wan expressed his hope that the masks provided to refugees would help them fight COVID-19 and protect themselves. In particular, he pointed out the importance of protecting the more vulnerable refugees and the need to support them. He also emphasized Korea’s commitment to continue its cooperation with Jordan and UN agencies to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

UNHCR remains grateful for the support from the Korean people and is looking forward to continued and strengthened collaboration with the Korean embassy, to provide assistance and protection for the most vulnerable refugees in Jordan.