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The Drama of Water

The Case of the Jordan Compact

Over one million Syrians, of the more than 13 million who need humanitarian assistance
live in Jordan, one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. This large influx
of refugees has further reduced freshwater availability for all inhabitants. The pressure
on groundwater resources has increased, both in terms of quality and quantity, while
competition for water between different economic sectors has also grown. Jordan,
therefore, urgently needs to invest in water resources infrastructure development.

The government of Jordan initiated the “Jordan Compact,” a series of major commitments
aimed at improving both the resilience of refugees and host communities, thus turning
the Syrian refugee crisis into a development opportunity. For example, Syrian refugees “Oxfam America in Zaatari Camp 2013”, Oxfam America, http://bit.ly/2tSh1Q5
can obtain work permits, thus improving their living conditions, including their access
to water and sanitation services, and reducing the need of humanitarian assistance.

Source: Geneva Water Hub, Secretariat of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, Think
Tank Roundtable Summary Report: Refugees and Access to Water: Challenges and Responses,
February 2017.

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