ONE YEAR ON …

One year has passed since the opening of the Zaatari refugee camp on 29th of July, 2012. Only few tents were there last year; however the current population of the camp reaches over hundred thousand people and the Zaatari camp became the fifth largest city in Jordan.

In this period, there are significant changes of the camp: tents were replaced by caravans, many shopping streets are still growing, people can reach to almost all items not only necessary living items but also electronic appliances and public facilities such as schools and hospitals, and infrastructure have been developed.

JEN’s operation in the camp started from last September, 2012, right after the camp opened. JEN has worked together with UNICEF to establish WASH committee all over the camp to secure people’s presence in the WASH sector and develop their capacity. After 8 months of JEN’s work with the committees, committee members and people have worked for the improvement of their own living environment through their own hygiene promotion campaign, daily monitoring of latrine facilities, assignment for cleanup duty among people.

The delegation visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kishida, took place on 26th of July, 2013. During the visit, His Excellency checked of WASH facilities to see JEN’s activities and to recognize the significant needs in the WASH sector. He mentioned that MOFA of Japan will work together with the Government of Jordan, UN agencies and NGOs including JEN to tackle these urgent issues in the camp.

[26th July, 2013. MOFA Japan Minister is visiting laundry facilities constructed by JEN]

Currently around 30 agencies are doing activities inside Zaatari camp. In response to rapid growth of the camp, UNHCR planned to divide the camp into 12 administrative districts and to assign one NGO as a lead agency of each district. JEN was appointed by UNHCR as a lead agency in areas where over 26,000 refugees live.

JEN will continue to work in Zaatari camp in close cooperation with the Government of Jordan, UN agencies and other organisations working in the areas in order to ensure peaceful and comfortable living conditions for refugees in the camp.

[Syrian refugee children living in Zaatari camp]

【DONATE　HERE】