ammonnews.net

Ammon News - The British Ambassador Philip Hall accompanied by the UNHCR Representative, Dominik Bartsch visited the Governorate of Mafraq and engaged in productive discussions with Governor Salman Najada and the Head of the Greater Mafraq Municipality Committee, Dr. Hani Obeid Al Shoora. 

This visit was aimed at fostering cooperation and assessing the impact of UK-supported humanitarian aid programmes in the region. 

The Governor of Mafraq welcomed the visit and shared valuable insights into the challenges faced by Jordanians in the governorate, especially due to the sustained Syria crisis. The discussions focused on difficulties related to employment, infrastructure, and access to basic services. 

The Ambassador later met with members of the Mafraq Municipal Committee and a number of local community representatives and discussed their aspirations for potential opportunities to improve livelihoods in the Mafraq area. He also reiterated the UK’s commitment to continuing its collaborative efforts with Jordan to address the pressing challenges and support stability and resilience in the region. 

Ambassador Hall and the UNHCR Representative, Dominik Bartsch, also visited the Zaatari Refugee Camp for discussions with officials from the UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, and the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate. He acknowledged the significant challenges placed on Jordan as a result of the refugee crisis and reiterated the UK’s commitment to continue to support Jordan through these challenges. He highlighted the importance of finding sustainable solutions to ensure the provision of essential services and support to both local communities and the most vulnerable. 

In the Zaatari Camp, he had the opportunity to meet and talk to beneficiaries of the UK’s cash assistance programme. The UK supports refugees’ access to food through WFP’s Tazweed supermarket initiative funded by the UK and international donors. The UK has provided funding over 4 years to support 71,000 of the most vulnerable refugees with access to basic services. 

 The Ambassador also learnt about the impact of the UK's previous “WASH” programme. The collaboration between the UK, UNICEF, and other donors in building sustainable water tank infrastructure addresses the immediate needs of the refugee camp and provides essential services for the residents of the Zaatari refugee camp.  
 
Ambassador Hall said:  "It was vital to visit Mafraq on my first outreach visit to understand the challenges and hopes of the community and strengthen our cooperation in addressing them.”  

" I am deeply moved by the experience of visiting the Zaatari refugee camp. The unwavering dedication and selfless work of the United Nations humanitarian staff in providing essential support and services to the refugees is remarkable. It affirms the scale and complexity of the protracted humanitarian crisis. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the refugees and assisting Jordan in providing vital services and a better future for those affected. 

"Jordanian support and hospitality towards refugees is admirable. We will continue to support Jordan, working with international partners and organisations to find sustainable solutions to protect the most vulnerable”