November 2016 – With the Syrian conflict in its sixth year and the security situation in Iraq continuing to deteriorate, Jordan has seen a constant increase in the number of refugees seeking asylum on its territory. Jordan now hosts over 650,000 Syrian refugees and more than 58,000 Iraqis; a total equal to nearly 10% of the country’s population. Four-fifths of registered refugees are living in urban areas among Jordanians, creating additional burdens on the public sector and the local economy. Urban refugees are struggling to meet needs related to rent, food, health, shelter, work, clothes, education, and items for children, while the needs of vulnerable Jordanians have risen in parallel, as increased competition for resources strains the Jordanian government’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens. With GAC’s support, CARE Canada is reaching up to 44,400 vulnerable refugee and host community, women, girls, men and boys (12,000 households) through protection and livelihoods assistance. Project activities include: (1) improving access to assistance information, psychosocial support, networks and services; (2) providing emergency cash in order to meet urgent needs of both refugees and vulnerable Jordanians; and (3) implementing livelihoods programs to support refugees and Jordanians with training, equipment, and employment opportunities.
