At UNHCR, our primary goal is to protect the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee their homes. For over 70 years, UNHCR has assisted millions of displaced or stateless people globally in finding safety and rebuilding their lives.
UNHCR Jordan works to protect and assist some 730,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers regardless of their nationality. With over 500 staff, UNHCR coordinates the refugee response under the leadership of the Government of Jordan and works with a range of international and national NGO partners to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers get the support they need.
PROTECTION
Mahdi, a Syrian refugee living in Amman, visits the UNHCR Registration Centre in Khalda to pick up his renewed asylum seeker certificate. ©UNHCR/ Lilly Carlisle
UNHCR supports the Government of Jordan in providing registration and documentation to refugees and asylum seekers. In Jordan, iris-scanning biometrics technology is used for refugee registration, identity management, and documentation renewals. UNHCR also provides counseling and support to refugees and asylum seekers, on a number of protection issues, while protection hotlines are also available to them.
HEALTH
Dr Maisa checks up on Syrian refugee receiving dialysis at AlHanan hospital in Amman, Jordan. © UNHCR/ Mohammad Hawari
UNHCR strives to ensure that all refugees have access to primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. In Jordan, refugees can access the national healthcare system which UNHCR supports through its cash for health program. In addition, alongside partners, UNHCR operates various primary healthcare clinics in refugee camps where refugees can receive services for free.
CASH-BASED INTERVENTIONS
Fattouh Sarih, 36, a Yemeni refugee living in Amman, receives her monthly cash assistance from UNHCR via iris scan. ©UNHCR/ Mohammad Hawari
Multi-purpose and seasonal cash assistance is one of UNHCR’s core social protection mechanisms in the humanitarian response. It enables refugees to cover their most basic needs, including rent, utilities, and food, giving them choice and dignity. Refugees are targeted and identified as eligible for cash assistance through a framework used to assess economic vulnerability.
LIVELIHOODS & ECONOMIC INCLUSION
Mahmoud, a Syrian refugee and recent fashion and textile graduate from Luminus Technical University College, works at Classic Fashion Apparel in Irbid, Jordan. ©UNHCR/ Mohammad Hawari
Working and earning a living is one of the most effective ways refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity. UNHCR works to promote livelihoods and economic inclusion, through working closely with the Government of Jordan, the private sector and local partners, as well international organizations and development partners.
EDUCATION
Refugee children in Zaatari Camp return to school after the summer break. ©UNHCR/ Shawkat Alharfosh
UNHCR collaborates with the Government of Jordan and partner organizations to ensure refugee children and youth in Jordan have access to quality education. Whether through virtual learning opportunities, such as the UNHCR-supported Kolibri platform, tertiary education opportunities through the DAFI scholarships, or vocational training opportunities offered by UNHCR partners, refugees are able to build on their education and learn new skills.
SOLUTIONS
Hussam and his family pack their suitcases before departing to Italy on the Humanitarian Corridors Programme. ©UNHCR / Mohammad Hawari
UNHCR’s ultimate goal is to find solutions for refugees. Conditions in many countries are still not safe for many refugees to return home due to ongoing conflict, war, and persecution. Resettlement to a third country is an available option for the most vulnerable refugees, while UNHCR continues to explore complementary pathways, including scholarships, family reunification, and others.