Who we protect
Who we protect
Seeking asylum is a human right. Anyone fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses has a right to seek protection in another country.
UNHCR works to ensure that this right is upheld.
Refugees in Jordan
Who is a ‘refugee’?
Refugees are people forced to flee their own country and seek safety in another country. They are unable to return to their own country because of feared persecution as a result of who they are, what they believe in or say, or because of armed conflict, violence or serious public disorder.
Many have been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind their homes, possessions, jobs and loved ones. They may have suffered human rights violations, been injured in their flight, or seen family members or friends killed or attacked.
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal documents that protect refugees. They provide the universal definition of who is a refugee and outline the minimum standards for their treatment.
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"Safety is not just having a roof over your head and walls around you. It is about living in a community that cares for you and supports you. For me, safety means seeing stability through my children’s eyes."
Emad, Syrian refugee
Emad Al-Kafri is a Syrian refugee who arrived in Jordan seeking safety 10 years ago. He currently lives in Za’atari camp with his wife and children. On World Refugee Day, in June 2026, as part of UNHCR’s campaign, “Until Everyone is Safe”, he was asked what safety means to him.
Jordan remains one of the countries most affected by forced displacement in the region and UNHCR has been supporting refugees for over 30 years. Currently, Jordan hosts over 353,000 registered refugees (as of 30 September 2026), who have fled conflict and persecution, primarily from Syria (94%), as well as from Iraq, Sudan, Somalia and other countries.
refugees registered with UNHCR Jordan in August 2026
of registered refugees in Jordan are from Syria
Refugees in Jordan face sustained and increasing socio-economic challenges. Two-thirds live below the poverty line, while rising debt, high unemployment and increasing food insecurity are placing growing pressure on households. Many families struggle to cover basic needs such as food, rent and healthcare, often relying on borrowing and other coping mechanisms to get by. Despite these challenges, refugees continue to have relatively good access to education, health services and basic infrastructure and most report feeling safe in their communities (UNHCR Socio-economic survey - May 2026).
Refugees returning to Syria
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“It is an indescribable feeling to return to my country after 14 years and see my family and relatives. I have decided to return to Syria with my sons because the situation there is improving.“
Rana, Syrian returnee
Rana Al-Hiraki is a 46-year-old Syrian refugee who has been living in Zaatari camp since 2012. After spending 14 years in the camp, Rana decided to return to her country, Syria, with her three sons.
She approached the UNHCR to apply for the UNHCR cash-for-return assistance, which will help her cover her debts in the camp, pay for transportation, and begin a new life in Syria.
Syria’s war has left millions of internally displaced persons and forced millions to seek refuge across neighboring countries and beyond. Amid this protracted humanitarian crisis, the fall of the Assad government in December 2024 marked a turning point for the country. As a result, voluntary return has become a real possibility for hundreds of thousands of Syrians in Jordan. Almost two years into the transition, UNHCR has recorded the return of more than 230,000 Syrians from Jordan (as of September 2026).
refugees returned to Syria from Jordan since December 2024
Many refugees in Jordan are considering return, while continuing to identify housing, livelihoods, access to basic services and security as key factors shaping their decisions. However, the majority remains in Jordan, where humanitarian support and access to essential services remain critical. UNHCR continues to support informed and voluntary returns (UNHCR's Enhanced Regional Survey on Syrian Refugees' Perceptions and Intentions on Return to Syria - April 2026).
