The IRC in Jordan

Photo: Peter Biro/IRC

Hundreds of thousands of refugees are currently in Jordan. Almost all have fled ongoing violence and unrest in neighboring Syria and Iraq. Many are poor, unable to legally obtain a job, and struggle to meet their daily needs. Women, in particular, are vulnerable to exploitation and violence. The International Rescue Committee is providing humanitarian assistance, medical care and other support to the refugees.

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How We Help

The IRC began relief operations in Jordan in 2007 for refugees from Iraq. With the arrival of refugees from Syria's civil war in 2012, the IRC ramped up operations in Jordan.

Since close to 80% of the nearly half million Syrian refugees have settled in urban areas near the border, we have opened a satellite office in the northern city of Mafraq. In June 2012 we opened two primary care clinics in Mafraq and Ramtha where a combined average of 100 patients visit every day. Close to 22,000 refugees and vulnerable Jordanians visited the clinics in their first year. The IRC is currently providing primary health care, free medicine at local partner pharmacies, and blankets, sleeping mats, and other essential items to thousands of Syrian refugees.

IRC assessments have indicated that women and girls represent a refugee group at high risk. We now provide them with emotional support, pre- and post-natal care, and tangible aid such as clothing, hygiene supplies, and financial support.

The IRC is also working in Jordan's refugee camps, assisting children who arrived without close relatives. We help reunite them with their families. This year we will also be sharing our expertise in the field of protection of women and girls with other agencies at the camp.

Refugees in Jordan

According to Jordanian government estimates, there are now close to a half million Syrian refugees in Jordan, and they continue to arrive. The government also believes as many as a half-million Iraqis are in the country, though not all are refugees.

Most refugees are poor and live without legal status, primarily in the capital Amman and along the border with Syria and Iraq. The refugees are also vulnerable to exploitation and violence; the latter is often directed against women.

Inflation, lack of employment and depleted savings have resulted in increased hardship, and many refugees have moved to remote, underserved areas to keep expenses to a minimum.

Repatriation remains dangerous due to continued insecurity in both Syria and Iraq.