Refugee host communities of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt are among the most affected groups by the civil unrest, as food availability is under threat.

Refugee Population

With ongoing conflict in Syria, the number of refugees in Za’atari camp increases every day, and is currently situated between 20,000 and 30,000 persons. Precise figures are difficult to obtain, with unclear information once refugees are in the camp. UNHCR and JHCO data tracks how many people enter and how many are bailed out to host communities, but the number of people leaving unofficially to the community or Syria is not clear.

1. Executive Summary

This report details an assessment carried out during September 2012 into the situation facing Syrian refugees living in the community in Jordan. It follows on from the launching of a preliminary emergency appeal by IFRC and JRC in August 2012, which focuses on supporting JRC to scale up its assistance to Syrian refugees in the community.

August 12th 2012
Amman, Jordan

(extract)

2 . Introduction

2.1. Background

Early in 2011, political protests and the government’s response created an unstable and insecure environment in Syria. As the unrest intensified, many families felt forced to flee into neighboring countries. As of August 9th 2012, 39,600 displaced Syrians are registered in Jordan, with an additional 2,283 persons awaiting registration1. The Government of Jordan has allowed Syrians to remain in the country and has provided them with access to governmental services.

From March 2011 till June 2012, according to Government estimates, more than 120,000 Syrians moved and stayed in Jordan as a result of the unrest. The fact that Jordan has left its borders open to Syrians and is known for its favourable protection climate has further augmented the number of arrivals. Many Syrians arrived already destitute, having had to deplete their resources while still in Syria.

The Humanitarian situation relating to the Syrian Refugees in both Jordan and Lebanon is as confusing and ambiguous as the political situation in Syria. Most of the information obtained about the Syrian refugees in the region is based on speculation and guesses, the same regarding plans and future possible scenarios of future humanitarian response. This is due to the sensitivity of the political situation in both countries relating to Syria and the uncertainty over how the situation in Syria is likely to develop.

Purpose of field visit:

As a part of its regular programme cycle, UNHCR Jordan establishes a diverse multifunctional team consisting of UNHCR and NGO partner staff to conduct an annual participatory assessment exercise with refugees. This assessment informs the office's protection strategy, as well as the programme priorities for the coming year.

In 2009, as the operation in Jordan entered a post-emergency phase, the office chose to undertake the participatory assessment around the theme of 'social capital'. UNHCR wanted to gain a

The EC and UNRWA

Since 2000, the EC has contributed over EUR 500 million towards the General Fund. In 2008 the EU contributions represented 62% of total regular budget contributions.

A Partnership Overview

The European Commission's contributions to UNRWA can be broken down into four main areas: the Agency's General Fund, earmarked contributions to specific programmes such as the Social Safety Net Programme, Emergency Appeals and special projects.

The EC contributes annually to UNRWA's regular programmes through the General Fund (GF). The GF constitutes UNRWA's

The Iraqi refugee crisis has already begun. There are over one million internally displaced people within Iraq and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have already fled to border countries and beyond. Providing protection and assistance to this population, as