The word “livelihood” was not something Fran Charles, advocacy director for World Vision's Syria response, could comfortably say even a year ago when speaking with Jordanian authorities about the future of refugees in the country.
But there’s now a “moment of opportunity,” she told Devex, in terms of opening the formal labor market for refugees, who have most likely run out of any savings, to have access to a legal source of income.
“The government is very much forward-looking in terms of what they want to do,” she said, citing the Jordan Compact, a statement issued by Jordanian stakeholders involved in February’s Syria donors conference. The approach is anchored by three pillars, one of which hinges on turning the Syrian refugee crisis into a development opportunity that attracts investment and opens up the EU market, creating jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees.
About the author
Kelli Rogers@kellierin
Kelli Rogers has worked as an Associate Editor and Southeast Asia Correspondent for Devex, with a particular focus on gender. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has reported from more than 20 countries.