jordan pulse -

Japan has reaffirmed its continuous support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan. This contribution aims to sustain the provision of essential protection services, healthcare, and necessary assistance to meet the basic needs of refugees, amidst rising humanitarian needs and declining international support.
​In a press release on its website, the UNHCR stated that through the $6 million US dollar Japanese contribution, it will be able to support approximately 330,800 refugees across Jordan. This will help families access basic services, obtain reliable information, and receive the necessary assistance to meet their most urgent needs, thereby preserving their dignity.
​The UNHCR Representative to Jordan, Maria Stavropoulou, said: "Many refugees still reside in Jordan and require support to meet their basic needs, cover rent and bills, access healthcare, and obtain reliable information that helps them make informed decisions about their future, including decisions regarding return. Japan's contribution comes at a crucial time, helping to ensure that refugees in Jordan continue to live in dignity, access basic services, and make voluntary and informed choices about their future."
​The UNHCR emphasized that, with Japan's support, it will continue to provide community-based protection services through community centers in camps, help desks, and counseling and outreach services. These services help refugees, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, access reliable information, participate in decisions affecting their lives, and contribute to enhancing social cohesion. This funding also ensures that refugees in both camps and urban areas continue to have access to primary healthcare services, alongside supporting cash assistance to meet the basic needs of some of the most vulnerable refugee families in Jordan.
​The Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, Asari Hideki, confirmed his country's commitment to continuing its support for Jordan's efforts in hosting refugees, stating: "Japan, in partnership with the UNHCR, continues to support the preservation of refugees' dignity and safety by providing community-based interventions, enhancing access to vital health services, and helping them meet their basic needs, which contributes to maintaining Jordan's stability and resilience."
​The UNHCR noted that Jordan hosts around 400,000 refugees, including approximately 380,000 Syrian refugees. Despite an increase in the number of voluntary returnees, many refugees still reside in Jordan due to ongoing concerns regarding safety, housing, access to services, and economic conditions inside Syria.
​The UNHCR added that for many refugees, assistance remains a lifeline that enables them to meet their basic needs, access healthcare, and reduce their reliance on difficult choices that could expose them to further risks, such as accumulating debt or pulling children out of school.