Title: Germany Bolsters Aid to Jordan, Emphasizing Refugee and Water Crisis Mitigation
Jordan welcomes additional aid from Germany, aimed at boosting refugee care and combating the country's water shortage. Development Minister Svenja Schulze praised Jordan's humanitarian and diplomatic commitment highlighting its role as a significant peace mediator in the Middle East. She held talks with Jordanian officials in Amman, announcing the allocation of 41 million euros in funds and a 125 million euro loan.
The aid comes in handy as Jordan hosts a substantial refugee population, including Palestinians, Iraqis, and Syrians, with the latter seeking shelter due to conflicts in their respective regions. Consequently, the population have doubled since 2005, surpassing eleven million residents.
Schulze's visit was scheduled prior to the escalation of violence in Israel, where religious tensions intensified on October 7. Islamic militia Hamas instigated unrest, followed by an Israeli military response in Gaza. Jordan's response involved protests, with King Abdullah II condemning the military offensive, labeling it as a war crime. Church services were suspended and mobile carrier Zein displayed its solidarity by replacing phone logos.
Schulze's agenda also encompasses addressing the brain drain of skilled workers from Jordan. To provide a future in Germany, she plans to launch a labor mobility center in Amman on Tuesday, forging opportunities for qualified Jordanian workers.
Humanitarian assistance from Germany fosters Jordan's efforts in managing its substantial refugee population and water crisis. Developing countries, such as Jordan, shoulder a significant refugee burden and require aid to manage their populations effectively.
Enrichment Insights:
- WFP Support: Germany's funding through the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has been essential, providing life-saving food assistance to more than one million refugees, and vulnerable populations in Jordan.
- Resilience Building: BMZ funding via the World Food Programme (WFP) has contributed to resilience-building and development programs in Jordan, ensuring inclusive and shock-responsive social protection systems.
- Emergency Response and Long-term Development: Germany’s support remains a critical aspect of managing the refugee crisis by addressing immediate humanitarian needs, and long-term development programs.
- Promoting Integration: Funds facilitate the integration of refugees into national services, fostering more effective aid delivery and refugee participation in daily life.
- Climate Resilience: Initiatives bolster climate resilience by promoting eco-friendly operations in camps and interventions, minimizing waste and reducing environmental footprints.
