Jordan has set a model in dealing with refugees and is a “safe” haven far from conflicts and wars, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Musa Maaitah, said.
Maaitah made the remarks while deputizing for Prime Minister in inaugurating activities of “First International Conference on Refugee Problems in Jordan (Challenges of the Past, Present and Future), on Wednesday at University of Petra.
The minister noted the international aid related to refugee affairs provided to Jordan is “still below the required level and covers only a modest” percentage of the real cost borne by Jordan as a result of the refugee crisis, which calls for an international response to help the Kingdom in this “noble” humanitarian mission.
To date, Jordan hosts nearly 4 million refugees who receive basic services, including health care and education, he said.
The Kingdom hosts the second largest proportion of refugees globally, based on the citizens’ overall number, according to reports by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), according to the minister.
Despite its limited resources, Jordan still provides various services to Syrian refugees, such as comprehensive health treatment in government hospitals and social care services, such as cash assistance from National Aid Fund (NAF), which constitutes an “additional” burden and pressure on Jordan, the minister added.
On the Covid-19 response plan, Maaitah said Jordan, as the second largest refugee-hosting country is still committed to protecting refugees and is a “leading” country to start administering free Covid-19 vaccines to refugees, calling on friendly countries to support the Kingdom.
Source: Jordan News Agency