Majali highlights Jordan’s refugee burden

AMMAN — Interior Minister Hussein Majali on Thursday highlighted the burdens Jordan is bearing due to the influx of Syrian refugees, stressing the need for the international community and regional organisations to support the Kingdom. 

Majali made the remarks at a meeting with Kelly Clements, deputy assistant secretary of state in the US Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.  

He explained that the Kingdom needs to build dozens of new schools to accommodate Syrian children in order to reduce overcrowding and ensure quality education for students, while urgent support is needed for healthcare facilities to meet the growing demand on services. 

The minister cited the “low” quality of services provided to citizens, especially in Syrian refugee-host communities, which requires the implementation of more development and income-generating projects. 

Majali also pointed to the security and military pressure on security apparatuses to confront any threat along the Kingdom’s borders with countries witnessing unrest and violence.

Discussions during the meeting also covered bilateral cooperation and the latest regional developments.

Describing the Kingdom as a pillar of security and stability in a troubled region, Clements commended Jordan’s stance on the current situation in the region. 

Stressing her country’s commitment to continue supporting Jordan at all levels, she underlined the need for Amman and Washington to continue coordinating to confront terrorism and extremism, and combat all kinds of crime.