Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees currently reside in Jordan without legal status, primarily in the Eastern urban areas of the capital Amman: Zarqa, Irbid, and Madaba. Many are poor, unable to legally work, and struggling to meet their vital needs. They are also vulnerable to sudden crises, exploitation and violence against women. Rising prices and depleted savings have resulted in increased hardship amongst the Iraqis, many of whom have had to move to remote, underserved areas. Repatriation is not yet an option due to remaining insecurity in Iraq. While a few are voluntarily returning to Iraq, new refugees are reportedly still arriving, particularly in Zarqa. Additionally, the experiences of conflict and their uncertain legal and economic status make Iraqi women particularly vulnerable to violence against women. Iraqi women are sometimes exposed to verbal, physical and sexual violence, both at home and work, and they report that domestic violence in their communities is increasing. How We Help

The International Rescue Committee began relief operations in Jordan in 2007. Working together with six national and international organizations, and 19 community-based organizations, the IRC has provided 20,000 vulnerable Iraqi refugees with humanitarian assistance, mental health support and informal education. The IRC is currently carrying out two large scale initiatives: one to help local organizations and government better combat and respond to violence against women, particularly refugees, and the second to provide cash assistance and linkages to support programs to extremely vulnerable refugees in underserved areas. 

Read IRC aid worker blogs from Jordan.