By : JD
Jordan Daily – Japan reaffirmed its support for refugees in Jordan on Wednesday, with Ambassador ASARI Hideki meeting displaced Syrians at the Zaatari camp, underscoring Tokyo’s partnership with the UN refugee agency UNHCR.
At a time of severe strain on humanitarian funding, Japan’s assistance remains critical in sustaining protection and aid for refugees, UNHCR said in a statement. Funding from Japan helps maintain community engagement programs, including cultural and educational initiatives, child protection, women empowerment, and livelihood skills development. The programs aim to amplify the voices of vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, in the refugee response.
Japan’s contributions also provide urgent cash assistance to refugees facing extreme hardship, including those with serious health conditions, single-parent households, and survivors of gender-based violence, allowing them to meet essential needs with dignity, the UN agency added.
“Protection provided by UNHCR for refugees is about helping refugees sustain dignity and hope. With support from Japan, we can respond to urgent needs while also creating conditions that allow refugees to unlock their potential, rebuild their lives, and contribute to their communities,” said Maria Stavropoulou, UNHCR Representative to Jordan.
Ambassador ASARI said Japan hopes its support will address the socio-economic vulnerability of refugee communities in both camps and host communities through community-based protection services and urgent cash-based interventions. “Japan reaffirms its commitment to supporting Jordan, one of the highest refugee-hosting countries per capita, by identifying durable solutions that support refugees,” he added.
Jordan hosts around 500,000 Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR, most of whom live in urban areas, according to the agency.
