Palestinian Affairs Department commends Italy’s support for refugees

AMMAN — The Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) on Wednesday commended Italian government efforts towards improving the living conditions of Palestinian refugees.   

Director General of the DPA Rafiq Khirfan, during a ceremony held on the occasion of the completion of rehabilitation works of 100 housing units in the Hiteen camp, highlighted the role of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation-funded project in improving the environmental, social, health and psychological conditions of the beneficiaries. 

The project has provided jobs for a number of the camp's residents, which has contributed to alleviate poverty and unemployment, Khirfan said, adding that about 300 housing units in the camp still need rehabilitation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Marina Sereni emphasised her country’s endeavours to maintain partnership with Jordan, lauding the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure a decent living for those who fled the conflicts that periodically erupt in the region.

She also reiterated Italy’s keenness to continue rallying resources and providing expertise to support Jordan in this arena.

Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan Marta Lorenzo expressed appreciation of Jordan’s hosting of a large number of refugees throughout several decades, calling for global solidarity to end the challenges facing the agency and refugee communities in Jordan and the region, which were exacerbated by the pandemic.

She also drew attention to the necessity of renovating hundreds of housing units built improperly.