A decade on: improving outcomes for Syrian refugees in Jordan

Our research with Syrian refugees in Jordan shows that current humanitarian and government responses are limiting refugees’ wellbeing and livelihoods. Jordan currently hosts more than 600,000 Syrian refugees. In camps, humanitarian aid focuses on supporting bodily wellbeing, but residents in Zaatari camp score low on healthcare, shelter and food indicators, and mobility restrictions limit their livelihoods. Refugees in Amman score lower than camp refugees on some wellbeing indicators. They lack access to humanitarian services and struggle with work permits and residency restrictions. Nevertheless, they contribute to Jordan’s economy through their spending and entrepreneurship. Syrian refugees in Jordan’s camps and cities face an uncertain future. It is time to re-evaluate humanitarian and governmental responses to protracted displacement and devise new approaches that can deliver sustainable and equitable outcomes.