UN in Jordan warns of funding shortfalls for key refugee support

AMMAN — UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan Sheri Ritsema-Anderson on Thursday expressed concern over funding deficits for humanitarian programmes in the Kingdom, calling on the international community to continue providing adequate support. 

“I am deeply concerned by funding shortfalls that are threatening to interrupt key activities that support both Jordanians and refugees in the next months.

“I call on all partners to find ways to sustain our gains, maintain financial support where needed and achieve humanitarian and development objectives in Jordan. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that no one is left behind,” Ritsema-Anderson said in a UN statement made available to The Jordan Times.

The UN in Jordan on Thursday released its “Annual Results Report for 2022”, showcasing the contributions and achievements of 20 UN entities in the Kingdom, encompassing both humanitarian and development initiatives throughout the reporting year. The report also marks the completion of the five-year UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF), which began in 2018.

According to the report, the value of UN programming in 2022 was $1 billion. Overall, the UN has implemented $4.6 billion of humanitarian and development programmes during the five-year lifespan of the UNSDF (2018-2022), advancing key priorities and implementing projects in three main areas: Strengthened Institutions, Empowered People and Enhanced Opportunities.

Working in collaboration with government, civil society organisations and communities, the UN contributed to the development of national legislation, policies and strategies that resulted in advancements in economic development, healthcare and nutrition, education, information management systems, women’s and youth empowerment and more.

"The UN in Jordan is proud to have contributed to Jordan’s sustainable development in 2022, while also maintaining our crucial support for Palestine, Syrian and other refugees and Jordanian host communities,” commented Ritsema-Anderson on the results report.

“These results are not ours alone, they reflect the joint effort of all partners working together, underpinned by generous donor support.”

Looking forward, the Jordanian government and the UN are finalising a proposed new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the years 2023-2027, prioritising four key areas of joint work: (1) inclusive, gender-responsive green growth and decent work; (2) social protection and quality basic services; (3) sustainable management of and access to water, food, energy and climate change mitigation and adaptation; and (4) strengthened government institutions, and accountability, transparency and participation.

Twenty-eight UN agencies, funds, programmes and offices will work under the umbrella of this new five-year framework.

“The UN remains a steadfast partner to the Kingdom as it works towards achieving its reform vision and the advancement of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals, while also continuing its exemplary hospitality to refugees, however, the UN needs sustained funding to do this,” Ritsema-Anderson said.