ILO, UNHCR boost partnership for refugees, host communities' employment

AMMAN — A Letter of Understanding (LoU) on Tuesday was signed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), outlining ways to increase collaboration of joint activities aimed at helping refugees and host communities access decent work, according to a UNHCR statement.

The letter, which was based on an agreement signed between the two agencies in 2016, includes the need to ensure the protection of refugees in all implemented activities, in accordance with the principles of international protection and labour standards.

Activities to be implemented by the agencies include regular information sharing on issues raised by refugee communities on right to work, livelihoods and mobility for work; collaborating on job matching services for refugees; and jointly advocating for the expansion of the right to work of refugees and promoting innovative solutions for increased formalisation of the labour market, the statement said.

ILO and UNHCR are already partnering closely on issues of employment, most notably through the Zaatari Office for Employment in Zaatari refugee camp and the Azraq Office for Employment in Azraq camp, according to the statement, which noted that they also work on the coordination of livelihood activities and on knowledge management.

Another priority identified in the LoU is to continue working closely with local institutions and organisations to respond to challenges faced by refugees and local communities in the labour market.

Patrick Daru, ILO’s country coordinator for Jordan, said: “We value the excellent collaboration we have been enjoying for the past years with UNHCR, as part of the UN support to the implementation of the Jordan Compact. The ILO has adopted a development-focused and employment-driven Programme of Support to the Jordan Compact, addressing the need for short-term job creation but also pre-existing deficits of the Jordanian labour market — in terms of quantity and quality of jobs available."

In 2016, the Government of Jordan agreed to the creation of job opportunities for Syrian refugees in Jordan, while also contributing to long- term development goals. 

As of 30 June 2018, up to 100,000 work permits for Syrian refugees have been issued and renewed, the statement said.

“UNHCR has made refugee livelihoods and the broadening of the protection space that allows for decent work a priority in Jordan, and collaborates with development agencies and the private sector to promote the creation of economic opportunities for refugees and Jordanians alike," said UNHCR Representative in Jordan Stefano Severe, adding "UNHCR’s efforts have focused on reaching out to refugees and promoting livelihoods projects, identifying skills, supporting coordination and advocacy, as well as on promoting artisanal knowledge and production."

 The collaboration is part of the wider international response to the Syrian refugee crisis, as requested by the Jordanian government, which aims to support both refugees and host communities.