UNHCR chief urges world community to provide adequate support to Jordan

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Tuesday discussed means of cooperation related to meeting the needs of Syrian refugees.

Razzaz, in the presence of Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mary Kawar, said that “Jordan has offered all it can to help Syrian refugees “and will continue exerting efforts in this regard, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prime minister stressed the importance for the international community to support the Kingdom as it continues to provide services to Syrian refugees, underlining the “huge repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx on the economy, especially in the education, health and infrastructure sectors”. 

For his part, Grandi commended the Kingdom’s efforts in this field, highlighting the importance of relevant cooperation and coordination between Amman and the UNHCR, Petra added.

Grandi met on Monday with His Majesty King Abdullah and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Also on Tuesday, Qawar met separately with Grandi and discussed the 2018-2020 Jordan Response Plan (JRP), which the government launched in coordination with UN agencies, donors and non-government organisations, according to a ministry statement.

Kawar and Grandi went over means to secure the funding necessary for the plan that aims at alleviating burdens of Syrian refugees 

They also examined ways to find enough grants and soft loans to meet the necessary financing needs for the Kingdom’s budget over the next three years.

Kawar noted that growing and cumulative burdens ensuing from the Syrian crisis have affected all aspects of life and greatly exceeded the capability of the already limited resources of Jordan, and have become a threat to development and the sustainability of national achievements the Kingdom has realised over the past few decades.

The minister also underlined the crisis’ direct economic and social impacts, urging joint efforts to overcome these challenges.

She stressed that the government would continue efforts towards comprehensive reform and resilience, also aimed at turning challenges into opportunities through maintaining macro-economy and financial stability.

Kawar also stressed Jordan’s commitment to its policy pertaining to hosting refugees until they voluntarily decide to return to their homeland, referring to the UNHCR’s important role in this regard.

For his part, Grandi voiced understanding of challenges facing the Kingdom as a result of the refugee crisis.

He also called on the international community to pay more attention to this issue and provide the necessary support to address it.