In Jordan, for the protection of cultural heritage and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities

AVSI has been operating in Jordan since 2001 with development cooperation and emergency programs to support the vulnerable local population and the numerous refugees residing in the country, mainly Syrians, but also Iraqis and Palestinians.  

Jordan is recognized as the most stable and secure country in the Middle East, which has led to it becoming the second country worldwide in terms of refugee population relative to its host population (UNHCR). The significant influx of refugees and asylum seekers has resulted in notable social tensions and economic difficulties for both Jordanians and refugees alike.

The global pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine have intensified pre-existing structural weaknesses in Jordan’s economy. These crises have reignited unresolved social issues within both host communities and the refugee population, placing immense pressure on the country's already fragile macroeconomic environment and exacerbating the precarious conditions faced by a substantial portion of the population.

Jordan heavily depends on humanitarian aid, as it lacks natural resources, particularly water (with 80% of its land being desert), and imports the majority of its goods from neighboring countries.

Tourism, accounting for around 14% of GDP, is one of the few vital sectors of Jordan's economy. After a challenging recovery from the pandemic, the sector has faced setbacks once again since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Despite being classified as a middle-income country, nearly one-third of the population—approximately 3.98 million people - live in poverty. The unemployment rate stands at 18%, rising to 22.6% for women (World Bank, 2024). Jordan ranks low globally in terms of female workforce participation.

Jordan has experienced rapid population growth in recent years due to regional crises and migration. The current population is approximately 11.3 million, with one-third being non-Jordanians.

Although Jordan has not signed the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, it has consistently welcomed refugees from various nationalities, including large numbers of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, Iraqis fleeing the Gulf War and ISIS violence, and, since March 2011, a significant influx of Syrian migrants escaping ongoing conflict.

As of June 2024, approximately 700,000 Syrians are officially registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan. Including unregistered refugees, the total exceeds one million. Only 20% reside in formal camps located in the northern part of the country, while the remaining 80% live in urban and peri-urban areas, often in precarious conditions and facing social exclusion.

The ongoing Syrian crisis, further exacerbated by the 2023 earthquake, has prompted humanitarian actors, states, and donors to reassess their strategies. There is an increasing emphasis on the "return" of refugees to Syria, with efforts underway to facilitate this process in a safe and dignified manner. Consequently, support initiatives for refugees in Jordan are shifting from emergency responses to a more sustainable and developmental approach.

Through effective collaboration with local municipalities and authorities, AVSI operates in various regions, including the Ajloun governorate in the north, Zarqa and Mafraq in the northeast, and Ma'an (Wadi Musa) and Aqaba in the south.

AVSI focuses on strengthening the economic landscape by creating jobs and providing vocational training.

Over the years, it has executed urban development projects, collaborating with local communities to create development plans for cities and villages. AVSI has rehabilitated infrastructure and improved access to essential services, engaging vulnerable Jordanians and refugees through "cash for work" programs. This strategy not only fosters a sense of community and belonging but also enhances technical skills and offers immediate economic relief to the most disadvantaged families.

AVSI has also worked on rehabilitating archaeological sites, including those in Petra, where it has overseen the establishment of two new tourist routes, as well as projects in Wadi Rum, Rihab, and other locations, utilizing cultural heritage to stimulate new economic activities. Additionally, AVSI promotes vocational training and supports local entrepreneurship in key sectors of Jordan’s economy, such as tourism, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.

AVSI is currently focused on protecting minors and women who have survived or are at risk of abuse and violence, as well as promoting the social inclusion of individuals living with disabilities by providing them with essential health and psychosocial services.

AVSI's first initiative in Jordan was the launch of the Distance Support program in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Currently, AVSI supports the education of 345 vulnerable children attending the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Zarqa and Anjara. Ongoing contributions from private Italian donors ensure psychosocial support for all the children’s families. In addition to their schooling, the children benefit from assistance from AVSI social workers and have access to remedial lessons in Arabic, mathematics, and English, as well as recreational activities such as art and music therapy, sports, and community events.