Jordan

2012 UNHCR country operations profile - Jordan

Working environment

The context

Although Jordan is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, both the authorities and civil society are sensitive to refugee and human rights issues. The Government considers the Iraqis in the country to be guests, rather than refugees, which ensures that they are secure and respected, but fails to provide them with a clear legal status. While most Jordanians show tolerance and hospitality to the people of concern to UNHCR in their midst, the country's national systems and infrastructure have come under strain. The pressure has become more acute over the past two years due to the financial and economic crises, and was exacerbated in early 2011 as a consequence of the "Arab Spring".

The Government estimates that there are 450,000 Iraqis in the country. However, there is some uncertainty about the actual figure. For programme and planning purposes, UNHCR relies on the number of currently registered Iraqis, which stands at more than 32,000, in addition to 2,200 asylum-seekers from other countries, primarily Somalia and Sudan. The Jordanian authorities have shown leniency towards Iraqis whose residency permits or visas have expired.

A 1998 Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNHCR and the Government outlines the major principles of international protection, including the definition of a refugee and the principle of non-refoulement. It specifies that asylum-seekers may stay in Jordan pending refugee status determination (RSD) and allows mandate refugees a maximum stay of six months after recognition, during which period a durable solution has to be found. Currently, resettlement is the only possible solution for the majority of refugees as the conditions in Iraq do not allow for large-scale returns, nor are there local integration possibilities in Jordan.

The needs

Most refugees and asylum-seekers live in urban areas and lack community support. Many live in poverty and are unable to gain access to livelihoods. These people are vulnerable and many require assistance and protection from violence and exploitation. Strong advocacy with the Government and civil society is necessary to create a favourable protection environment for them.

Main objectives and targets for 2012

Favourable protection environment

Law and policy are developed or strengthened.

• Some 22 workshops are held for lawmakers.

Access to the territory is improved and the risk of refoulement is reduced.

• The protection space for people of concern is maintained through better cooperation with the Government and civil society.

Fair protection processes and documentation

The quality of RSD procedures and access to them are improved.

• All people of concern are interviewed in a timely manner.

The quality of registration and profiling is improved or maintained.

• All people of concern are registered in a timely manner.
• There are enough staff members to make an efficient registration team.

Basic needs and essential services

Services for groups with specific needs are strengthened.

• About 6,000 families receive monthly financial assistance.
• Some 2,000 people benefit from social counselling.
• Some 550 older people receive special support.
• Some 600 people with disabilities receive support.

The health status of the population is improved.

• Some 8,500 refugees have access to primary and secondary health care.
• About 300 health care interventions are made that are approved by special care committees.
• Five government institutions/hospitals are supported.

The population has optimal access to education.

• Some 80 per cent of refugee children are enrolled in primary education.
• Some 90 per cent of refugee children are enrolled in secondary education

Community empowerment and self reliance

The self-reliance and livelihoods of people of concern are improved.

• Some 800 people participate in skills training activities.

Durable solutions

The potential for voluntary return is realized.

• Some 600 people receive return assistance and transportation.

The potential for resettlement is realized.

• Some 1,300 cases are prepared and submitted for resettlement.

Strategy and activities in 2012

UNHCR will strengthen its relationship with the Government and civil society in order to safeguard and expand refugee protection in Jordan. It will advocate on behalf of people of concern, and provide training in refugee issues to lawmakers.

It is anticipated that around 450 people will register each month with UNHCR. Each individual will be given documentation, while old documents will be renewed. As most Iraqis lack legal status and cannot work or integrate locally, UNHCR will provide financial assistance to some 6,000 families and individuals with specific needs. It will continue to work closely with partners to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. UNHCR will also develop more streamlined responses to domestic violence.

Self-reliance and livelihood opportunities for refugees will receive strong UNHCR support. Legal counselling will be provided for some 2,000 people, and UNHCR will conduct visits to monitor cases of detention.

UNHCR will work with the Government, communities and partners-UNICEF in particular-to ensure that Iraqi children are enrolled in primary and secondary schools. Furthermore, some 8,500 refugees and asylum-seekers will be assisted to avail themselves of primary and secondary health care, especially in public health care facilities.

UNHCR envisages it will assist up to 600 people to return in 2012. Resettlement will remain the main durable solution; some 1,300 families will be submitted in 2012.

Constraints

In 2012, UNHCR Jordan will face the need to sustain past achievements, which include increased protection space, innovative service delivery and stronger partnerships. Preventing the development of a protracted refugee situation will be challenging, especially given the likelihood of a reduction in UNHCR's financial resources due to waning donor interest.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

UNHCR works closely with many ministries, international and national NGOs and UN agencies. Where possible, it seeks to incorporate services for refugees into overall national development initiatives through the UN Development Assistance Framework and other UN coordination mechanisms.

Financial information

Since 2009, UNHCR has consolidated its operation in Jordan, reducing the number of international partners and strengthening national partners. Timely adjustments to the operation and identification of the most efficient and effective partners have prepared it to meet budgetary constraints. At the same time, UNHCR remains committed to working with the Government and other partners for the protection of refugees in Jordan and expanding the protection space for all people of concern. The 2012 comprehensive budget of USD 42.5 million includes measures to maintain protection space and to provide basic services, as key tasks.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2012-2013

UNHCR contact information