Jordan

Year-end Overview

Operational environment

While Jordan is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, a memorandum of understanding signed in 1998 sets the parameters for cooperation between UNHCR and the Government on the issues pertaining to refugees and asylum-seekers. In fact, the Government has long welcomed refugees from neighbouring countries. It works closely with UNHCR and partners to improve and expand refugees’ access to services and, most importantly, integrate refugees in national systems such as for health and education. This has become all the more important given theCOVID-19 pandemic.
 
Jordan was facing record unemployment and slow economic growth before the pandemic. Yet, due to the pandemic-induced economic downturn, the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities have significantly deteriorated. Efforts are being made to assist refugees in the face of increasing destitution. Against this backdrop, in 2021, the Government will continue to lead the Jordan Response Plan (JRP) and, together with UNHCR, support refugees in need.
 
In 2021, UNHCR’s assistance to people of concern will focus on protection, cash assistance, livelihoods, health care, camp management and community mobilization, with an emphasis on vulnerability-based targeting. UNHCR’s multipurpose cash assistance strategy will be a central component of the comprehensive protection response for those living in urban areas. UNHCR will reinforce its partnerships with national actors, while enhancing comprehensive community-based protection interventions, including through mobile helpdesks, mobile registration and communication groups.
 
In 2021, UNHCR will also continue to advocate the inclusivity of the JRP in line with the Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To enhance the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities, collaboration with development actors and private investors will be further pursued.

Key priorities

In 2021, UNHCR will focus on:

• Advocating access to territory, the right to seek asylum, the principles of non-refoulement, family unity, and the provision of security and protection for people of concern, in accordance with international refugee protection principles.
• Advocating the inclusion of refugees in national social protection systems, so they can access social security benefits including, but not limited to, healthcare through referrals and the unemployment fund for those working both in the formal and informal sectors.
• Providing multi-sectoral assistance to refugees in camps; coordinating multi-purpose cash assistance for the most vulnerable and supporting the graduation model, which allows the discontinuation of cash in conjunction with more livelihoods’ opportunities.