Jordan — humanitarian situation

Jordan continues to host a substantial Syrian refugee population while managing significant return movements to Syria. Since December 2024, over 185,000 Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR have departed Jordan for Syria, with returns reaching 197,000 by June 2026 (WFP, UNHCR). At its peak, Jordan hosted approximately 715,000 registered refugees (UNHCR). A regional survey conducted in June 2025 indicates that 22 percent of Syrian refugees in Jordan intend to return within the next twelve months, though limited employment opportunities in Syria remain a primary barrier to sustainable reintegration (UNHCR). Food security assistance has faced considerable constraints as WFP provided support to 83,000 refugees in camps only during May 2026, at a reduced transfer value barely covering food needs (WFP). Overall, WFP assisted 610,000 people in May 2026, transferring USD 1.3 million in cash assistance. The organization requires USD 22 million over the next six months from June through November 2026 to maintain operations (WFP). The National School Feeding Programme concluded in May with the beginning of summer break (WFP). Education access remains a priority as Jordan is globally recognized for including refugee children in its national education system, though the system has faced significant pressure since the Syrian crisis began in 2011 (UNHCR). Health services continue operating across refugee camps, with comprehensive health surveillance maintained through facilities in Zaatari and Azraq camps during the first quarter of 2026 (UNHCR). The Government of Jordan has advanced digital transformation initiatives under its 2023 Economic Modernization Vision, aimed at doubling annual economic growth and upgrading government services over the next decade (UNHCR). These reforms include expanding digital government service access for refugees and returnees. UNHCR has initiated job matching pilot programs for Syrian refugees beginning in December 2024, addressing employment barriers as Syrian-owned and regional businesses gradually resume operations inside Syria (UNHCR). Protection programming includes initiatives challenging gender norms through fatherhood programs operating across Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, with participating couples reporting reduced gender inequality in time allocation (UN Women).