Jordan will never be a resettlement destination for Syrian refugees, interior minister says

Jordan is not, and will never become, a permanent resettlement destination for Syrian refugees, the country’s interior minister, Mazin Al-Farrayeh, said on Monday.

Speaking during a visit to the Azraq and Emirati-Jordanian refugee camps, he said Jordan hosts about 1.3 million Syrian refugees and noted the challenges that arise from this as a result of insufficient international aid, which last year met only 30 percent of the required funding, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The shortfall puts a strain on the nation’s resources and affects the quality of services provided for the refugees, he added. Al-Farrayeh was visiting the camps to review living conditions, particularly in the current winter conditions, and as part of efforts to encourage greater, sustained levels of international support.

At the Azraq camp, which is home to about 44,000 Syrians, he met international donors and told them that other global crises must not be allowed to overshadow the needs of refugees from Syria.

In a speech to the camp’s local security council and residents, he reminded them of the important need to preserve their Syrian identity, in preparation for eventual return to their homeland.

He also noted that more than 215,000 children have been born to refugee parents in Jordan since 2011 and the psychological effects this has had on families as a result of their disconnection from their country.

As Al-Farrayeh met and interacted with refugees he took part in a football match. He also acknowledged the support Jordan has received from international organizations and donor countries, and said the important role his country plays in hosting refugees is driven by policies, championed by King Abdullah II, that are designed to improve regional stability.

During his visit to the Emirati-Jordanian camp, which is home to 6,200 Syrians, he praised the UAE for its humanitarian work and its strong partnership with Jordan in efforts to help and support refugees.

Hassan Salem Al-Qaidi, head of the Emirati relief team at the camp, told him about the contributions made by Emirati authorities since the camp was established in 2012, including expansion projects and improvements to services.