Rising Above Difficulty: Supporting Economic Participation of Refugees in Jordan

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) welcome EUR 22,850,000 (approximately $26,820,000) of new funding from the European Union to support refugee programmes in Jordan. The contribution will address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable refugees and their host communities, while also supporting efforts to strengthen the self-reliance of those with the potential to engage in work, wherever opportunities may arise.

The funding will maintain a social safety net for refugees who are unable to work due to age, disability, severe medical conditions or other factors. For those with the potential to work, it will contribute to promoting self-reliance by leveraging and fostering skills and, where possible, connecting to livelihood opportunities through coordinated efforts with partners. This approach addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and supports those who are ready to take steps toward rebuilding their livelihoods.

“We deeply appreciate the generous support of the European Union, especially during this challenging time when UNHCR and other partners in the refugee response are facing funding cuts limiting our capacity to assist refugees. This project will address the most immediate needs of different refugee groups and support the resilience of Jordan as a refugee host,” said Maria Stavropoulou, UNHCR Representative to Jordan.

“We are grateful to the European Union for its partnership and support,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan, Antonella D’Aprile. “While WFP’s core cash assistance to refugees continues under significant funding constraints, this contribution of EUR 2.13 million (approximately $2.5 million) will support complementary efforts to foster refugees' skills and employability, as limited access to livelihoods and income remains a key driver of food insecurity.”

For his part, European Union Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, said: “The European Union remains a steadfast partner in responding to the refugee needs in Jordan, which has played a pivotal role in providing protection and stability to thousands of refugees forced to flee their homes. Over the next 18 months, nearly 200,000 people, representing 44,500 households, will receive vital assistance through the UNHCR. With this new project, we reaffirm our long-standing partnership with Jordan in supporting both refugees and host communities.”

The project will help UNHCR to maintain its basic needs assistance, which serves as a lifeline for the most vulnerable refugees. Thanks to the support from the EU and other donors, UNHCR will be able to provide survival funds to around 200,000 refugees in communities and camps.

Boilerplate

Co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNHCR and WFP, this action aims to enhance the economic participation of refugees in Jordan. It focuses on providing basic needs assistance to the most vulnerable, while developing pathways to connect refugees with livelihood opportunities. By bridging immediate humanitarian needs and promoting self-reliance, the initiative also contributes to the resilience of host communities.

This story was originally published on UNHCR's website. Read more about the UN's work in Jordan on the UN team's website.