Amman/Geneva, 18 February 2016 – The Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Elhadj As Sy, has underlined the importance of supporting both refugees and host communities in responding to the challenges of forced displacement and migration in Jordan.
The vast majority of the approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees living in Jordan are living in host communities. The Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JNRCS) has focused much of its efforts on supporting both refugees and the communities hosting them.
“Jordanian communities are providing the first line of support to people fleeing Syria” said Mr Sy. “Many of these communities are in vulnerable situations. We need to recognize that in the way we provide humanitarian assistance. The work of the Red Crescent is making a broad and positive impact in highly complex situations.”
Mr Sy was speaking at the end of a visit to Jordan where he met with high ranking humanitarian and government officials, including the Prime Minister of Jordan, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ensour, the Minister of Health, His Excellency Dr Ali Hyasat, and Dr Mohammad Al-Hadid, the President of the JNRCS. Mr Sy also met with humanitarian partners in Jordan, including UN Agencies.
The Secretary General visited a number of Red Crescent programmes in and around the capital Amman. He met with Red Crescent volunteers from the Mafraq, Irbid, Jarash and Ajloun branches, where the Red Crescent is running a highly successful cash transfer programme for refugees, as well as delivering community-based first aid, psychosocial support, and vocational training for both refugees and members of the broader community. This approach encourages dialogue and builds understanding between Syrian and Jordanian families.
Mr Sy thanked the volunteers, including a number of Syrians who now volunteer for JNRCS, for their service and dedication. “You are the backbone of our Movement. Each of your actions makes a huge difference in the lives of so many,” he said to them.
The JNRCS has been supporting displaced Syrians since the early months of the now almost five year old conflict. Like many humanitarian organizations, the Red Crescent faces growing demands and additional funding is urgently needed to ensure that refugees and communities continue to receive the services they need.
For more information, please contact:
Stephen Ryan, communications coordinator – Middle East and North Africa, IFRC E-mail: stephen.ryan@ifrc.org ¦ Twitter: @stiofanoriain ¦ Mobile: +961 71 802 779
Benoit Carpentier, team leader – public communications, IFRC E-mail: benoit.carpentier@ifrc.org ¦ Twitter: @BenoistC ¦ Mobile: +41 79 213 2413