Amman: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto visited Amman New Camp, serviced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Matsumoto, joined by Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Hideki Asari, was welcomed by UNRWA’s Director in Jordan, Olaf Becker, who provided an overview of the agency’s activities and the effects of the recent regional situation on Palestinian refugees in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, the visit included a stop at the UNRWA Girls’ Preparatory School, where Matsumoto was informed about the challenges faced by female students, particularly concerning their mental health due to regional tensions. Matsumoto also visited the camp’s health centre, learning about the medical services available, including maternal and child health programs developed with the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Matsumoto praised the dedication of UNRWA staff in their efforts to support Palestinian refugees, highlighting the agency’s essential role in delivering humanitarian aid, medical care, and education. Olaf Becker expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing political and financial support, emphasizing its significant role in enhancing education, protection, and psychosocial services for over 100,000 Palestinian refugee students.
Japan, as one of UNRWA’s longest-standing partners, has allocated $3.32 million to the “Critical Humanitarian Assistance for Palestine Refugees in Jordan” project. This initiative aims to focus on education, psychosocial services, and protection from April 2024 to March 2025, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to promoting self-reliance, dignity, and development opportunities for Palestinian refugees.