Policy Briefs
The Wellbeing of Syrian Refugees: Shifting from Humanitarian to Developmental Response in Jordan
No.
34
Date
May, 2018
Topic
J. Labor and Demographic Economics
In a nutshell
- Syrian refugees in Jordan are a very young population, disproportionately in female-headed households (23%), and living in host communities (87%) rather than official refugee camps.
- Current food supports and work permit provisions are insufficient to ensure food and financial security among refugee households.
- Despite provisions under the Jordan Compact to open work permits to refugees, refugees’ participation in Jordan’s labor force remains very limited.
- Investments in the human capital of this very young population are essential; school enrollment is often late and drop-out occurs early.
- Although most refugees are able to access healthcare, they are vulnerable to financial hardship in the case of illness due to a lack of health insurance (75% without insurance).
- The initial humanitarian response to the refugee influx must shift to a developmental response to protect this vulnerable population and invest in the human capital that will allow them to contribute to the Jordanian economy and society, as well as the possible future reconstruction of Syria.
Authors
Caroline Krafft
Associate Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs,...
Authors
Maia Sieverding
Assistant Professor of Public Health Practice at...