In Jordan, few comprehensive studies have been conducted to provide an in-depth understanding of the key drivers of host community tensions. To address this information gap, this multi-sectoral REACH assessment aimed at identifying where tensions have emerged across northern Jordan as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis, and how they could be mitigated through social cohesion and resilience programming. In the shift from humanitarian relief to long-term development, the assessment aims to promote and inform the mainstreaming of a ‘Do No Harm’ approach in the response provided to conflict-affected populations residing in Jordanian host communities. Sectors assessed included: education, external support, healthcare, livelihoods, municipal services, shelter and water.

Main Findings

REACH found external support to be a major source of tension in host communities that were estimated to be at relatively high risk of tension at the time of assessment. Key findings from the assessment include:  41% of respondents reported that their community had received external support.  70% of respondents who received assistance agreed that support had helped their community.  However, 67% amongst those that agreed support had helped their community also stated that support had negative effects.  83% of those who stated that aid had negative effects said this related to more tension in the community.  Considerably more Jordanian respondents (78%) than Syrian respondents (58%) felt that support was unevenly accessible by the two groups.  Overall, more female (91%) than male respondents (66%) and more Syrians (91%) than Jordanians (75%) considered that external support had caused more tension in their community. This report highlights that while external support aims to provide relief, reduce conflict and minimise harm in Jordanian host communities it is inextricably linked to community dynamics. It may catalyse frictions between Jordanian and Syrian populations, escalating tensions and negative perceptions of assistance. Assessment findings reinforced the need for humanitarian and development actors to carefully address the way that support is perceived to be distributed among both Jordanian and Syrian beneficiaries in host communities to maximise aid effectiveness. Adhering to the ‘Do No Harm’ principle and taking a long-term approach to development in the region will be crucial to building greater social cohesion. As the humanitarian community transitions to allocating more aid outside formal camp settings, the way in which aid is distributed among refugees and the local community will become an increasingly important issue, especially in northern Jordan.