Jordan: ICRC president concludes official visit
Amman (ICRC) – The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, completed a two-day visit to Jordan to continue and deepen the dialogue with the Jordanian authorities on pressing humanitarian issues, both in the Kingdom and the region.
Acknowledging Jordan's solidarity towards populations affected by conflicts in neighboring countries as well as Jordan's essential role and influence in the region, Maurer assured the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, of the ICRC's commitment to support both Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities.
"We are keen to strengthen the partnership between Jordan and the ICRC to address key humanitarian issues through policy dialogue, more systemic and innovative approaches that would optimize the outcomes of our work and promote additional support for the Jordanian authorities," Maurer said.
Maurer heard testimonies of Syrian refugees about their daily lives during a visit to the Azraq refugee camp. "We will continue to offer support to refugees especially to reconnect them with family members, but we also want to build bridges to supporting sustainable income-generating activities for refugees and vulnerable Jordanians," he said.
Maurer agreed with the chairman of the joint chiefs-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, to exchange expertise on the practical implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Considering the clout of Jordan in regional political and security dynamics, such a partnership aims to further promote compliance and respect for the law and humanitarian principles in the region.
The head of the ICRC delegation in Jordan, Juerg Montani, explained, "Beyond our long-term operational presence in Jordan, supporting the country in dealing with the consequences of several crises in the region over the past 50 years, we understand Amman as an important regional hub offering a conducive platform for humanitarian dialogue and policy debates. What we are seeking are partnerships – with the authorities, civil society, humanitarian partners and the diplomatic community – to explore and promote humanitarian law and principles and neutral, impartial humanitarian action."
The ICRC has been present in Jordan since 1967. It carries out a wide range of activities aimed at supporting both refugees and host communities, primarily with the Jordan Red Crescent Society. These activities include: restoring family links, visiting detainees, promoting respect for IHL, supporting the health care system, rehabilitating vital water infrastructure and supporting livelihoods.
For further information, please contact:
Hala Shamlawi, ICRC Amman: +962 777 398 794
