The UN Jordan RC/HC a.i. conducts first visit to Zaatari Refugee Camp

The UN Jordan Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. Ghulam M. Isaczai concluded a visit to the Zaatari Refugee Camp organized by the UNHCR office in Jordan. During the visit, Mr. Isaczai took part in an inter-agency briefing to learn first-hand about the services offered to nearly 80,000 refugees (as of January 2022) who reside in the camp. As part of his visit to the camp, he also toured the following sites and interacted with their beneficiaries:

• Schools: where the Ministry of Education and UNICEF support over 22,000 children living in the camp to receive an education, including girls and boys with disabilities,

• Supermarket: WFP works with local supermarkets to provide monthly food assistance ($32 Per month per person) to refugees using IRIS scan and blockchain technology.

• Water system: one of the most innovative and sustainable water networks in a refugee camp, which connects all households in the camp to a water and sanitation network, ensuring safe and sustainable water provision for refugees.

• The Innovation Lab: A space for the community where refugees of all ages can brainstorm and implement innovative ideas as well as learn new skills such as computer programming, robotics, hydroponics and much more.

• Market Street: sprawling avenues made up of 1000 shops which provide a variety of affordable goods for the camp's residents. Where everything from bike mechanics to mobile phone repair shops within Zaatari camp can be found, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the refugees living there.

The RC thanked UNHCR for facilitating his visit to the camp and praised the support provided by the Government of Jordan, SRAD, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs in the efficient management of the camp to ensure refugees’ access to adequate protection, shelter, food, education, and health services at all times.

Explore more photos from the visit here.