Ireland's flexible and predictable funding helps UNHCR sustain support for refugees in Jordan

Amman, Jordan, [14 September 2026] – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes Ireland's continued solidarity with refugees and vulnerable host communities, reaffirming a long-standing partnership built on a shared commitment to protecting persons forced to flee.

Ireland's support goes beyond the generosity of its financial contributions. For over a decade, since 2018, Ireland has provided annual flexible and predictable financial contributions to UNHCR’s programme in Jordan totaling over €11m, reflecting a strong level of trust in UNHCR's ability to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact. Ireland also continues to be a key supporter of UNHCR globally providing significant annual core funding and direct funding for other severe crisis contexts

“At a time when humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, Ireland's flexible and predictable support is particularly valuable, said Maria Stavropoulou, the UNHCR Representative in Jordan. It allows us to plan ahead, maintain critical services for refugees and vulnerable host communities, and respond effectively to evolving needs. Just as importantly, it enables us to direct resources where they are needed most and sustain essential activities that will have the largest impact”.

Jordan hosts almost 370,000 registered refugees, the vast majority from Syria. While some families have voluntarily returned, many are unable to do so due to ongoing concerns related to safety and security, housing, access to services and livelihoods. Maintaining adequate levels of humanitarian assistance in Jordan remains essential to ensuring a lifeline for vulnerable refugee families and allows them to live in safety and dignity until they can make a free and well-informed decision about a potential return.

Ireland's essential support contributes to a wide range of programs and helps ensure that assistance reaches those facing the greatest vulnerabilities. Over the years, Ireland’s support has helped ensure that refugees can access protection, legal assistance and healthcare and specialized support for women and children. It has also played a vital role in maintaining safe and secure conditions in refugee camps and supporting access to essential services, including electricity

Ireland’s Ambassador to Jordan, Nicole McHugh, remarked that, ‘Jordan continues to demonstrate remarkable generosity in hosting a large refugee population, including hundreds of thousands of Syrians who sought safety here after fleeing conflict and instability. UNHCR, working in close partnership with the Government of Jordan, plays a vital role in supporting these refugees and the communities that host them. I am proud that Ireland has been a flexible and reliable partner in this work for many years and that we have been able to sustain the level of our financial support for UNHCR in 2026. We will continue to play our part in supporting Syria’s transition, including by maintaining assistance for those refugees here in Jordan who are not yet able to return home.’

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For more details, please contact:

Yousef Taha – Communications Officer / Spokesperson

+962 788 04 34 08

[email protected]