Betere EU-steun nodig voor opvang vluchtelingen in Jordanië

Met dank overgenomen van S.H. (Sophie) in 't Veld i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 31 mei 2018.

English below

In 't Veld heeft vandaag vragen gesteld aan de Europese Commissie over de situatie van Syrische vluchtelingen in Jordanië. Ze maakt zich zorgen over de moeilijke omstandigheden voor deze vluchtelingen, en over het feit dat EU-plannen bedoeld om Jordanië te helpen met de crisis nog te weinig resultaat opleveren. Haar D66-collega in de Tweede Kamer, Maarten Groothuizen, stelt vandaag soortgelijke vragen (zie hier). Het is belangrijk dat de EU en de lidstaten meer doen om Jordanië te helpen. De Jordaanse overheid kan ook meer doen om de bureaucratische rompslomp en regels te verminderen voor Syriërs die willen werken en ondernemen. Daarnaast kunnen de EU-lidstaten meer Syrische vluchtelingen hervestigen en een nieuwe toekomst in Europa geven.

Syrian refugees in Jordan need better EU help

In 't Veld posed questions today to the European Commission on the situation of Syrian refugees in Jordan. She is worried that the conditions for refugees remain very difficult, and that the EU plans to help Jordan deal with this crisis are not delivering on their promises. Her D66 colleague in the Dutch Lower House, Mr Maarten Groothuizen MP, posed similar questions today (see here). It is important that the EU and its Member State to do more to help Jordan, that the Jordanian government abolishes bureaucratic and regulatory burdens for Syrian workers and entrepreneurs, and that the EU Member States scale up their resettlement effort.  

Picture: the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan

Question for written answer to the Commission

Rule 130

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE)

Subject: The situation of Syrian refugees in Jordan

The situation in Jordan is difficult for Syrian refugees and for the Jordanian host communities. The Jordanian Government and population show hospitality towards more than 1 million Syrians, and that in the face of a volatile economic and security situation. However, the implementation of measures to alleviate human suffering is lagging behind, such as the EU-driven “Jordan Compact”. In practice, it turns out to be challenging for Syrians to formally run their (small and home-based) businesses, as a result of bureaucratic hurdles. Moreover, the number of work permits issued to Syrians remains insufficient, and Syrians remain excluded from some sectors. The use of detention of Syrian refugees in Jordan has also increased. Crucially, the EU could do more to resettle Syrian refugees.

  • 1. 
    What is the medium to long-term EU plan to allow for decent reception conditions and long term perspectives for Syrians in Jordan?
  • 2. 
    Considering that financial solidarity is not enough, how will the Commission ensure that the EU Member States do more to resettle refugees from Jordan?
  • 3. 
    What additional measures will the Commission take to ensure the full implementation of the Jordan Compact, including by encouraging the Jordanian government, and in particular in relation to trade rules, special economic zones, and (self)employment of Syrians in Jordan?

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