Amman, Aug. 2 (Petra)--The Jordan Economic Forum held a session as part of its "Economic Salon" program titled "Refugees in Jordan: Between Economic Impact and the Responsibility of International Partnership," hosting UNHCR Representative to Jordan Maria Stavropoulou.
According to a statement issued by the forum, the session was attended by Forum Deputy Chairman Mazen Hamoud, members of the board of directors and the general assembly.
The forum said Jordan has carried significant economic, social and service-related responsibilities over the years as a result of hosting refugees. It called on donor countries and organizations to meet their commitments toward refugees in the Kingdom and support a more sustainable and balanced international partnership that assists host communities and enables Jordan to continue providing humanitarian support, while contributing to conditions for the voluntary, safe and organized return of refugees to their countries.
Stavropoulou said Jordan has played an important role in receiving refugees and providing protection, particularly in recent decades, adding that the Kingdom has demonstrated values related to humanitarian protection, dignity and respect for human rights.
She said Jordan’s approach reflects the values emphasized by His Majesty King Abdullah II on several occasions, noting the importance of the country’s role in refugee protection at a time when international commitment to asylum and humanitarian protection is facing challenges.
Stavropoulou said Jordan integrated refugees into public education, healthcare services and some social services at an early stage, instead of establishing separate humanitarian systems that are costly and difficult to sustain in the long term. She added that several policies adopted by Jordan have contributed to improving refugees’ living conditions.
She said Jordan’s experience has provided the international community with lessons that were later shared with other refugee-hosting countries.
Regarding education, Stavropoulou said refugee children registered with UNHCR and holding the required documents can enroll in Jordanian public schools. She added that issues arising in this area are usually limited and local, and in some cases are related to unclear procedures or instructions at some school administrations.
In the healthcare sector, she said refugees have access to the same level of services available to uninsured Jordanian citizens. She explained that these services are not entirely free but are supported through multi-donor funds involving international partners, helping the Jordanian health system manage additional pressures.
Stavropoulou described the decline in humanitarian and development assistance as one of the main current challenges, noting that reduced funding has affected UN agencies and humanitarian organizations and impacted the level of services and assistance provided to refugees.
She stressed that assessing the economic impact of refugees should not focus only on pressures on water resources, infrastructure, schools and hospitals, but should also consider their contributions to production, consumption and the labor market.
Hamoud said Jordan’s experience in hosting refugees has become a case that can be studied by other countries, as it combines international support, employment opportunities, increased exports and efforts to enhance refugees’ ability to rely more on themselves.
//Petra// WH
