Jordan: Jordan INGO Forum NewsletterJanuary - March | Issue 12
In this issue
- Humanitarian & Development Editorial
- Partners activities in Host Community
- Partners activities in Camps
- Voice from Jordan
- Advocacy
- Changing the narrative
Humanitarian & Development Editorial
The first quarter of 2019 was eventful for Jordan’s so-called ‘transition’ agenda. The launch of the JRP 2019 laid out a $702.9 million plan allocated to refugees, a $698.9 million projection in support of the resilience of host communities, and requested $998.2 million for budget support, with the GoJ putting the emphasis on strengthening national public systems to deliver quality services. In London, the Growth and Opportunity conference for Jordan essentially created a launching platform for the World Bank’s five-years reform matrix to stimulate growth. In the backdrop of serious economic and social concerns (high debts burden, unemployment and raising protests), the GoJ’s main success was to achieve a shift of narrative and re-brand Jordan as a country ready to undertake a much needed ‘economic transformation’ to boost the private sector and attract investors. The growth message strongly resonated in Brussels, during the third conference on supporting Syria and the region, where Jordan’s reform agenda was highlighted.
As the transition outlook is welcomed and undeniable, maintaining focus on refugees and vulnerable Jordaniansremains essential: without dedicated efforts towards inclusion and humanitarian assistance, those that have missed out on growth in the past will continue to be left out. The Brussels Conference reminded the international community of the amplitude of the Syrian humanitarian crisis, despite the shift in conflicts and narratives. As the GoJ, donors and civil society reaffirmed that the conditions in Syria were not met for safe, dignified and voluntary returns, it is important to remember that the numbers of returns (approximately 15,500 individuals since the border opening and as of April 2019) do not equate to a reduction of humanitarian needs in Jordan.
Quite the contrary, Syrian refugees in Jordan remain highly vulnerable and continue to face protection and freedom of movement issues, fragile access to livelihood opportunities and unaffordable healthcare. Refugees from other nationalities experience similar, if not harsher challenges, as they remain excluded from the major humanitarian funding mechanism and do not benefit from the Jordan Compact policies. This highlights, even more, the need for a gradual transition, with simultaneous planning for inclusive growth and a renewed focus on humanitarian and protection needs of all refugees and other vulnerable groups.
