On World Refugee Day, Jordan stands at the forefront of the global stage as a historic model of humanitarian solidarity. Guided by Royal Directives and intensive diplomatic efforts, the Kingdom continues to defend the political and humanitarian rights of refugees within a complex regional environment exacerbated by the recent devastating war on Gaza, relying on a close partnership with UN agencies.
اضافة اعلان
A Unified Arab Stance and Core Principles
Morad Al-Qarallah, the media spokesperson for the Department of Palestinian Affairs, confirmed that the meetings of the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) implement the recommendations of the 69th session of the Conference of Supervisors of Palestinian Affairs in Arab Host States (held in Cairo, January 2003). This conference stressed the necessity of holding meetings to establish a unified Arab stance regarding UNRWA issues and to adhere to core final-status issues and the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Al-Qarallah explained that the most prominent of these principles include:
Adhering to the two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders.
Upholding the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Rejecting any attempts to undermine UNRWA’s operations, given its role as the irreplaceable international witness to the refugee issue.
Providing full political and financial support to ensure the agency continues its work in accordance with its UN mandate.
Escalating Challenges and Jordan’s Diplomatic Mobilization
Al-Qarallah pointed out that the region is experiencing severe tension and instability due to expanding conflicts. The devastating war on Gaza has caused massive human casualties and widespread infrastructure damage, deepening the suffering of Palestinian refugees and driving their needs to unprecedented levels. Despite these challenges, UNRWA continues to perform its vital role as the UN entity mandated to provide services and protection, proving its resilience as a lifeline for millions of refugees in education, healthcare, relief, and social services.
He added that host countries reaffirm that UNRWA represents an ongoing international commitment until a just and lasting solution is reached in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy.
However, the agency faces escalating financial and operational challenges that undermine its capacity for long-term planning. Al-Qarallah highlighted Jordan's extensive efforts under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, to mobilize international support through meetings and conferences with Arab and foreign partners, which has successfully kept the agency operational.
Jordan’s Position: The Kingdom warns that any interference with UNRWA's role or reduction of its operational capacities will lead to grave humanitarian, social, and security repercussions for refugees, host countries, and the wider region. Jordan reiterates its absolute rejection of any attempts to assign or transfer UNRWA's services to other UN, international, or local entities.
Local Support and Infrastructure in Refugee Camps
Up until 2024, the number of projects implemented in Jordan's refugee camps reached 79 projects with a total value of 34.4 million Jordanian Dinars, distributed across 13 camps. These projects included:
Supporting sports clubs, stadiums, and public parks.
The housing rehabilitation project for underprivileged families (which has reached 17 phases since 2005).
Establishing women's centers, community rehabilitation centers, and developmental facilities.
Constructing investment buildings, public schools, infrastructure projects, and Islamic cemeteries.
Al-Qarallah explained that the Department of Palestinian Affairs closely monitors service gaps to intervene immediately in coordination with various ministries. Contingency plans are in place across key sectors:
Education: Absorbing students into Ministry of Education public schools in the event of any UNRWA service reductions.
Health: Providing medical coverage through Ministry of Health centers and hospitals parallel to UNRWA clinics.
Relief & Infrastructure: Deploying Royal Initiatives and annual government funding for emergency maintenance and sanitation across the 13 camps.
UNHCR: Jordan is an Exceptional Global Model
For his part, Youssef Taha, the official spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), stated that Jordan continues to provide an exceptional global model for hosting and protecting refugees despite its own economic challenges. More than a decade into the Syrian crisis, the Kingdom continues to embody the values of humanity and responsibility-sharing.
Taha added that hosting refugees is not the responsibility of host countries alone, pointing out that the vast majority of refugees are hosted by low- and middle-income nations, making sustained international support an absolute necessity.
He explained that UNHCR's campaign this year is themed "Until Everyone is Safe," carrying a powerful message: the world will not truly be safe as long as millions are forced to flee war, violence, and persecution. The campaign aims to highlight every human being's right to safety, showcase the resilience of refugees, and call for greater international solidarity and sustainable solutions through a shared global effort.
