Urban Syrian refugees struggle to make ends meet in Jordan

Care International in Jordan supported by the European Commission’s Humanitarian aid and Civil Protection department

CARE releases new study on situation of urban refugees

Half a million Syrian refugees in urban areas in Jordan are struggling more than ever to cope with inadequate housing, high debts, rising costs of living and educational challenges for their children, a new study by CARE International has found.

According to CARE’s household assessment of more than 2,200 Syrian refugees, 90 per cent of the refugees are living in debt to relatives, landlords, shopkeepers and neighbours and rents have increased by almost a third in the past year.

The insecurity to provide for their families causes increasing levels of stress and sets women at risk of sexual exploitation. In many cases, young sons become the family’s breadwinner to make ends meet. CARE’s study shows that only 52 per cent of Syrian refugee boys and 62 per cent of girls are currently attending school.

“Three years after the Syria crisis started, the situation of refugee families is becoming more and more precarious. The longer they live in neighbouring countries, the more financially vulnerable they become. Families have fled months or years ago, they do not have any savings anymore,” says Gillian Barth, President of CARE Canada. “That is why Canadians and others must step up to the plate and help if they can.”

More than 80 per cent of the refugees in Jordan do not live in camps, but in poor neighbourhoods in the urban areas or the outskirts of Jordan’s cities, often in inadequate dwellings, informal tented settlements and makeshift shelters. Often they have to share tiny, run-down flats with more than one family. Families have to spend an average of CAD 260 per month for rent. For refugees, who have difficulties and high expenses obtaining a work permit in Jordan, being able to pay for rent is one of the most pressing concerns.

The study also shows that the influx of Syrian refugees increasingly impacts Jordanian host communities, who are facing the same challenges – increased accommodation and living costs, and access to outstretched public services.

“A lot of support has been provided by the international community as well as the host communities. However, with no end of this crisis in sight, Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities continue to need our support, otherwise millions of people are further pushed into poverty and destitution,” says Salam Kanaan, CARE Jordan’s Country Director.

Note to editors: The research team interviewed 384 Syrian and Jordanian families in Amman, Irbid, Mufraq, and Zarqa, and conducted 17 Focus-Group Discussions with 157 Jordanian and Syrian women, men, and teenage boys and girls across the four areas.In addition, data of 1.262 Syrian families registered with CARE was analyzed.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Marie-Jo Proulx
Communications Manager
[email protected]
613-799-7562

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. In over 80 countries, CARE works with the poorest communities to improve basic health and education, enhance rural livelihoods and food security, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity, help vulnerable people adapt to climate change and provide lifesaving assistance during emergencies. CARE places special focus on working alongside women and girls living in poverty because, equipped with the proper resources, women and girls have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. To learn more, visit www.care.ca.