Interior Minister Mazen Faraya on Tuesday welcomed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and an accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Faraya emphasized that caring for refugees is a responsibility that should be shared by all countries due to its great humanitarian implications, which require the activation of the refugee resettlement program as per prepared plans.

He underscored commitment to facilitate the refugees’ voluntary return to their country.

The minister said Jordan is in urgent need of increased aid to support its humanitarian efforts towards refugees as the country’s economy has been overburdened by the influx of refugees that impacted all sectors.

Faraya highlighted that the refugee crisis resulted in a spike in unemployment rates among Jordanians due to rising demand for such services, including education, health, energy, water, sanitation, environment and municipal affairs, and directly or indirectly impacted social and security aspects.

Moreover, he underlined the dire need for aid to the World Food Program for refugees due to a reduction in external funding, putting additional strain on both the refugees and the government.

Source: Jordan News Agency