Informal Tented Settlements in Jordan: A Multi-Sector Baseline Assessment

As the Syrian crisis continues for a third year, increasing numbers of displaced Syrians seeking refuge in neighbouring countries have formed informal settlements in close proximity to host communities. The protracted crisis in Syria has caused a large influx of refugees into Jordan, amounting to more than 550,0001 as of September 2013. This figure is projected to increase to 800,000 by the end of December 2014. The arrival of more refugees into an already resource-constrained country, settling in often already economically depressed communities, has resulted in over-stretched resources and service, increasing levels of unemployment, and high inflation rates. Within the context of Jordan, those who are either unable or unwilling to reside in Za’atari refugee camp and are unable to afford appropriate shelter, informal tented settlements (ITS) have increasingly become a default option for the most vulnerable of Syrian households. With this in mind, UNICEF commissioned REACH to conduct a rapid assessment and mapping of the ITS over the course of November and December 2013.The objective of this assessment is to provide a baseline dataset on needs and vulnerabilities across WASH, education, child protection, health and other relevant indicators to better inform the humanitarian community’s response to some of the most vulnerable refugees in Jordan.

The findings in this report highlight the perilous state of those refugees that are forced by socio-economic and socio-cultural reasons to reside in ITS. Whilst the pursuit of income-generating opportunities is a major factor in their establishment, it is worth noting how demographic, cultural and social reasons also affect a household’s decision to reside in an ITS. For instance, whilst the majority of the population in Za’atari refugee camp is from the Syrian governorate of Dara’a by origin, the assessment revealed that the vast majority of ITS residents are from the governorates of Aleppo, Hama, and Rural Damascus. Inter-community tensions within the camp have been reported as a significant factor in the decision of ITS households to leave Za’atari refugee camp.