Country Facts
DRC present since:
2003
Staff on location:
200
Displaced population:
745,110
Displacement situation
With 89 refugees per every 1,000 inhabitants, Jordan hosts the second-highest number of refugees per capita of any country in the world. Most of these refugees are fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Syria, and as of April 2020, there are 656,213 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan, plus 90,755 other persons of concern, including refugees from Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia.
With the Syrian crisis in its 10th year, the majority of Syrian refugees remain in a situation of protracted displacement. Over 80% of Syrian refugees live below the poverty line, with the same percentage residing in urban areas. A full 51% of refugees are children, and 4% are elderly. The large size and acute poverty of these refugee populations puts considerable strain on Jordanian domestic services and local economies.
DRC Response
DRC has been active in Jordan since 2003 when it first arrived in response to the Iraqi refugee crisis. In 2013, DRC launched a multi-sectorial response to the Syrian crisis in Jordan, focusing on protection and economic recovery. Activities encompass both critical emergency response and sustainable long-term solutions, and DRC works to strengthen the protective environment, encourage self-reliance in vulnerable households and communities, and provide access to basic services and livelihood opportunities for displacement-affected communities in seven governorates (East Amman, Karak, Ma’an, Tafileh, Madaba, Irbid, and Mafraq) across the Kingdom, as well as in the Azraq refugee camp.
Snapshots
A sewing machine can pave the way
More than 70 million people are seeking refuge from war – half of them are women. Female refugees are generally at greater risk of abuse than men, they find it harder to raise money to survive and are often single parents. In the Asraq camp in Jordan, many women have found refuge from the war in Syria. Typically, they arrive with their children, tired and worn out by the flight away from bombs and terrorist attacks. They have lost everything and are dependent on help to create a livelihood. Thanks to our sewing facilities, many of the women in the Asraq camp are now able to provide for their children. Here, a course and a sewing machine pave the way for an income, which gives the women food on the table, warm clothes in the winter, and enough ressources to send their children to school.
A sewing machine can pave the way
More than 70 million people are seeking refuge from war – half of them are women. Female refugees are generally at greater risk of abuse than men, they find it harder to raise money to survive and are often single parents. In the Asraq camp in Jordan, many women have found refuge from the war in Syria. Typically, they arrive with their children, tired and worn out by the flight away from bombs and terrorist attacks. They have lost everything and are dependent on help to create a livelihood. Thanks to our sewing facilities, many of the women in the Asraq camp are now able to provide for their children. Here, a course and a sewing machine pave the way for an income, which gives the women food on the table, warm clothes in the winter, and enough ressources to send their children to school.
Ameena's business grant has improved her life
Arriving to Azraq camp in Jordan in 2016 as a refugee, Ameena has struggled to support herself and her family. With funding from OCHA, Ameena received one of our small business grants to start her sewing business. Now, she is able to support her children's daily expenses and education.
Ameena's business grant has improved her life
Arriving to Azraq camp in Jordan in 2016 as a refugee, Ameena has struggled to support herself and her family. With funding from OCHA, Ameena received one of our small business grants to start her sewing business. Now, she is able to support her children's daily expenses and education.