Report calls for ‘harmonised policy approach that better integrates perspectives of refugees

AMMAN — Structural vulnerabilities, which are likelihoods of encountering major difficulties within a family atmosphere because of deficient capital resources, affect the lives of Syrians and Jordanians through similar and parallel pathways, according to a recent report.

“This creates a unique opportunity for policy-makers to craft policies and strategies that can simultaneously benefit both Syrian refugees and the host population,” said the report, titled “In my own hands — A Medium-Term Approach Towards Self-Reliance and Resilience of Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan”.

While the Jordanian government and the international community address the needs of its 654,568 Syrian refugees and the host communities, the report seeks to identify “useful entry-points” and strategies in three areas — education, livelihoods and social assistance — as the lens through which to examine policy and practice in this field.

Published by Columbia University in January, the study is based on a systematic literature review; key informant interviews with stakeholders including civil society leaders, government officials, donors, intergovernmental organisations and national and international NGOs, and focus group discussions involving Syrian refugees from camp and urban settings and vulnerable Jordanian host populations.

The report provides specific policy recommendations in the fields of education, livelihoods and social assistance.

“Navigating the complex path ahead requires a shared vision and a more-harmonised policy approach — one that better integrates the perspectives of refugees in programming and policy-making, and that takes its lead from local champions in the Jordanian host community who foster social cohesion through an inclusive approach,” the report read.

The report can be accessed on the UNHCR’s website.