Catholic Agencies Prepare for Refugee Influx into Jordan

Catholic Relief Services
Friday, 28 March 2003

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with Caritas Jordan, has trained a network of volunteers to work in two UNHCR-run refugee camps in Ruweishad, Jordan, along the border with Iraq in the event of a massive refugee influx. Though no Iraqi refugees have been reported to cross into Jordan so far, the United Nations estimates that 60,000 third-country nationals and 34,000 Iraqi refugees might report to camps along the Iraqi-Jordanian border.

"In solidarity with the Iraqi refugees who have suffered tremendously in the past and continue to suffer in present day, we will continue to build upon our strong partnership with Caritas Jordan to accomplish our common goal of saving lives and reducing human suffering during this tragic crisis," said Christine Tucker, Catholic Relief Services Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

In preparation for an unfolding crisis in the region, Caritas Jordan trained its existing network of volunteers, which is active in social work throughout Jordan, in refugee camp management, humanitarian standards and international protocol for refugees and displaced persons. Thus far, 45 volunteers have been fully trained. Individuals from all denominations are welcome to join.

"Young people, both Christian and Muslim, are determined to work together to help out their brothers and sisters in need," said Caritas Jordan Director Jamal Hattar. "Rather than conflict, they look for dialogue and understanding."

Both Ruweishad tent camps have a capacity to accommodate 25,000 refugees. Additionally, the Bishops Conference of Jordan recently approved the use of church premises in the capital, Amman, to shelter a potential 2,000 additional Iraqi refugees. If needed, Caritas will provide these individuals with relief items such as mattresses, clothes and blankets, as well as food rations for up to six months.

In addition to the work of its volunteers at the border, Caritas Jordan will continue assisting the 300,000 Iraqi refugees already living in Jordan – who are generally very poor and lack legal status in the country – by providing health care and education.

CRS is working with Caritas in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey to respond to the immediate needs of Iraqis, including refugees. While CRS supports the humanitarian response, the agency continues its efforts to work for peace, promoting the dignity of each Iraqi citizen and laying the foundation for rebuilding what is damaged by the war.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org