UNHCR and Al-Nouri Charity finalize a deal to aid 346 Syrian refugee families residing in Jordan with financial support
In a significant move to support Syrian refugees in Jordan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society have signed a new grant agreement. This agreement reaffirms the strength of their partnership, which has been ongoing since 2020, and aims to address critical needs and enhance the self-reliance of Syrian refugees in Jordan.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society will channel donations raised as part of a winter campaign organised by UNHCR in partnership with the charity society, from November 2024 to the end of March 2025. Through this generous contribution, over 346 refugee families (more than 1,730 individuals) will receive monthly cash assistance for 9 months, providing a vital lifeline to cover their most essential needs.
The cash assistance programme, run by UNHCR, has been instrumental in improving living conditions for refugees in host communities. According to a recent survey, 97% of refugees report positive impacts from this aid. However, the ongoing economic and regional challenges, coupled with reductions in international humanitarian aid, have posed sustainability challenges for Jordan, which relies heavily on international donor support.
The survey, conducted in January 2025, also revealed that 67% of Syrian refugees in Jordan live below the poverty line, and 9 out of 10 hold debts. The contributions from Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity are, therefore, crucial in sustaining UNHCR's humanitarian support during a time of growing needs and limited funding.
Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society, expressed a wish to expand the partnership with UNHCR during the next year's campaign. UNHCR's Representative to the State of Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, stated that the agreement highlights the vital role Kuwaiti charities play in supporting refugees.
The agreement comes at a time when renewed hope for return has been generated by changes in the government in Syria in December 2024. However, a survey conducted by UNHCR showed that 27% of Syrian refugees in the region intend to return within the next year, meaning the vast majority will remain in host countries and continue needing support.
UNHCR continues to provide crucial cash and material assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan, but the challenges are far from over. The ongoing support from organisations like the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society is, therefore, essential in ensuring that Syrian refugees in Jordan can continue to meet their basic needs and work towards a brighter future.
In light of the ongoing economic and regional challenges, the contributions from the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society, as part of their business partnership with UNHCR, are critical in the finance sector, sustaining UNHCR's humanitarian support for Syrian refugees in Jordan, while addressing their critical needs and enhancing their self-reliance. Furthermore, these donations, discussed in the realms of politics and general-news, will have significant impacts on the lives of over 1,730 refugees, especially when considering that 67% of Syrian refugees in Jordan live below the poverty line.
