Interior Minister Mazen Faraya Monday said that Jordan hosts the largest number of refugees compared to the size of its population and that “Jordan is not conferring favours.”
During a UNHCR celebration at Down Town Amman on the occasion of World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20, Faraya added that Jordan assisted refugees from different countries at a time when they were in utmost need.
Faraya explained that asylum has security, economic and social costs, describing the economic situation in the world as “pressing,” which caused the lack of sufficient support for refugees, as countries started looking into their backyards.
Responding to a question from the Jordan News Agency on refugees, Faraya said, “Refugees receive assistance from international organisations, and Jordan contributes in one way or another by supporting them and enabling them to live until appropriate means are available that would enable them to return to their country.”
For his part, UNHCR Representative in Jordan Dominic Bartsch said, “On World Refugee Day, we remember not only the hardship and pain refugees went through when fleeing their homes, but the strength, courage and determination they have demonstrated over the years.”
Bartsch added, “The general positive feeling towards refugees is a cornerstone for their continued acceptance,” pointing out that on World Refugee Day, “we are pleased to celebrate Jordan and its people who showed the whole world their generosity and hospitality, while the number of displaced people around the world reached unprecedented levels.”
Source: Jordan News Agency