Áder sees refugee crisis, water shortage as Jordan’s main problems

Financing for the refugee crisis and reducing the effects of drought caused by climate change are currently Jordan’s two most pressing problems, President János Áder said after talks in Amman on Monday.

Áder noted at a press conference that over the past six years 1.5 million refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria had arrived in Jordan. It is right that international bodies should pay the costs of caring for the refugees, he said, adding that Jordan had received only half the money pledged in recent years. This year, only 20 percent came through, and Jordan has lost significant revenue from tourism and transit fees due to the situation, the president noted.

He called Jordan’s achievements in refugee services and maintaining the peace “outstanding”. 

Not only should the region keep the peace but Europe should do more by increasing resources made available to Jordan for refugee services, Áder said, adding that five times the amount was needed this year than payments so far.