Migration Mosaic: Experiencing diversity within the refugee camps of Jordan
Many people in the world experience the life of a refugee. Recently I traveled to Amman, Jordan to attend the Gilman Foreign Policy Seminar focused on Refugees & Migration. My observations and experiences particularly during visits to the Azraq and Za’atari camps shed light on the challenging conditions that many refugees face. It is true that the living conditions in refugee camps can be harsh and often fall short of what one might expect based on the amount of money being spent by organizations to help them.
The Azraq camp, situated in the desert near Syria, highlights the lack of resources such as water and proper shelter. Extreme heat can make life difficult for the individuals and families living there, some who have been there for close to a decade. The inadequate living conditions may not provide the level of comfort and safety for which one would hope. Refugees shared their stories and daily struggles with us. They told us about sharing their caravans with snakes, scorpions, and other desert creatures. They expressed frustration at the lack of medical support and concern for their fellow refugees with disabilities or chronic illnesses. They all wanted to share their stories, so that we would understand and bear witness to their struggles. Their words and stories are the most powerful tool to soften hearts and open minds – they are the key to unlocking the world’s empathy.
Some refugees feel forgotten or overlooked after their initial interview to determine where they might be resettled. Manyhave been waiting for more than 10 years to learn what country they will eventually call home. Families and groups who remain in these camps for long periods without support or resources have their lives put on hold – they cannot plan for their future and these experiences only compound the trauma of displacement.
Our visit to the Za’atari camp showed that even with better infrastructure, concrete streets and a playground for children, people still long for a permanent home. Camp administrators did not allow us to meet with the refugees, and this raises questions about transparency and access to those in need. Certainly, better resources are important, but more important is finding welcoming nations to help these individuals and families find a better home.
Flags and posters throughout the Za’atari camp marked the involvement of governments, NGOs, and private corporations who have contributed resources to these camps, ensuring that they gain good publicity for their efforts. Resources and assistance must genuine benefit refugees and effectively addresstheir needs.
As global citizens, it is crucial to advocate for refugees’ rights and well-being and address the complex issues surrounding forced displacement and migration. Empowering refugees with education, access to healthcare, and opportunities to contribute to their communities can offer them stability and a measure of control over their own lives. Educating this diverse and traumatized community, will enable them to gain the skills and confidence to help others who will experience similar displacement. Refugees who become teachers and doctors and engineers and social workers will return to these places and help heal and comfort the next generation.
It is urgent to address the challenges refugees face and remember our shared duty to protect and support forcibly displaced individuals. We must make space so that refugees can describe their current realities and inspire action and change.Their stories could one day be our stories so it is vital that we listen and learn from them.