To inform UNHCR on measures that can be taken to ensure refugee families living in Jordan’s refugee camps are adequately protected from the winter climate.

Priorities

Procurement process to start first week of October in order to ensure completion by December. Raising awareness of fire safety and fire risk necessary. This should address usage of communal kitchen, heating of tents, and using open fires in communal spaces. In order to alleviate the possibility of unrest in the camp, an early information campaign explaining to the refugees what to expect this winter, in particular the likelihood that pre-fab accommodation will not be available, is of utmost importance.

Main Findings

1. Demands in camp. In terms of the environment, low temperatures levels the main threat. No critical flood risk presented to camp drainage. With regards to NFIs, winter clothing was cited as a main need by residents. The standard NFI kit includes blankets and mattresses, but will need to be supplemented. In terms of shelter, refugees were observed using open fire stoves to make hot drinks, it is likely that similar measures will be used for heating inside tents. Prevention of this is not realistic. There is also a predicted increase in tent scavenging. It will be possible to heat some, but not all, communal spaces. These include schools and other child-friendly spaces. 2. Procurement and logistics. Construction materials and textile supplies are plentiful locally. The local market cannot supply the estimated requirement of 30,000 stoves, which will have to be sourced internationally. The model of a kerosene heater is the preferred available option. Winterization resources would be stored in GOJ warehouses. Distribution would be organised for 1,000 to 2,000 families per day.