UNHCR monthly cash assistance to refugees in Jordan continues — representative

By JT - Mar 29,2020 - Last updated at Mar 29,2020

The Jordanian government has granted essential UNHCR staff and partners the necessary permits to commute to the Zaatari and Azraq camps in order to sustain basic services, including hospitals, clinics and supermarkets, according to UNHCR Representative in Jordan Dominik Bartsch (Photo courtesy of UNHCR Jordan)

AMMAN — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will continue providing its monthly cash assistance to more than 32,000 refugees living in the Kingdom, UNHCR Representative in Jordan Dominik Bartsch said on Sunday.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Bartsch highlighted the existing cooperation and coordination with the Jordanian government in confronting the challenges facing the Kingdom.

The UNHCR has had to close registration centres and community centres, as well as postpone interviews and home visits until a later date as part of preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19, the UNHCR representative said.

He added that during the past two weeks, the UNHCR had received hundreds of requests from refugees for additional support due to difficult financial conditions, noting that measures are currently being sought to support these families alongside the government and the international community, as this requires additional funds.

The UN official stated that the current circumstances had prompted the UNHCR to maximise digital channels to continue working in refugee care in Jordan, stressing the continued provision of legal and advisory support and protection for refugees over the phone.

Bartsch expressed gratitude to the Jordanian government for granting essential UNHCR staff and partners the necessary permits to commute to the Zaatari and Azraq camps in order to sustain basic services — hospitals, clinics and supermarkets.

The UN official noted that he had visited the Zaatari refugee camp, accompanied by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Wissam Rabadi, a few days ago, to review the proposed plans in the event of a virus outbreak in the camp.

"As of now, no refugees in Jordan have been affected by the coronavirus, but we have to be ready and the government is supporting us," Bartsch said.

He called on refugees to stay at home and practise social distancing, especially at shops.

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