Jordan: Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance 2018 - Mid-Year Post Distribution Monitoring Report for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Jordan is home to over 667,000 Syrian refugees , and more than 85,000 refugees of other nationalities. While 18.8% of Syrians live in the three refugee camps of Zaatari, Azraq and the Emirati Jordanian Camp, the remainder (more than 80%) of Syrians live in cities, towns and rural areas across the Kingdom.

Despite Jordan’s generosity, the situation of refugees residing outside of camps has become more difficult over time. Providing food, housing, and healthcare for their families remains a daily struggle. The majority of Syrian refugees live below the Jordanian poverty line. Syrian refugee families have become increasingly poor, as savings become depleted and other means to survive become unfeasible. Poverty is one of many origins of vulnerability. Often families turn to harmful behaviours and debt accumulation to maintain basic needs. For many the hardships do not stop there, as refugees are also suffering from war-related trauma and physical disabilities. Equally at risk are unaccompanied minors, the elderly, and single parents trying to care for their children.

All non-Syrian refugees live in cities, towns and rural areas in Jordan. Their smaller communities can lead to increased isolation, as the Syrian refugee population vastly outnumbers those of other nationalities. Non Syrians also face more barriers to access services, including access to formal work, as well as education and healthcare due to different costing regimes in comparison to Syrian refugees. In addition, there is a more limited range of donor actors providing funds for assistance in comparison to the Syrian refugee population. UNHCR continues to advocate for a “one refugee” approach in Jordan and globally, where assistance is based on need rather than nationality.

This mid-year report shows the background analysis and the results of the post distribution monitoring for the cash assistance in Jordan.