Jordan Workshop Highlights Policy Innovations for Syrian Refugee Governance
Opening of the Workshop - From right to left: Prof. Jamal Al-Shalabi, Prof. Khalid Al-Hayari, and Dr. Rasha Istaiteyeh
On January 7, 2025, the Hashemite University hosted an impactful workshop, "Governance of Jordanian Policies Toward Syrian Refugees," under the EU Horizon GAPs project. Held in Al Petra Hall and inaugurated by the university's president, Prof. Dr. Khalid Al-Hayari, the event brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the pressing challenges and future strategies for managing Syrian refugee issues in Jordan.
Bridging Research and Policy
The workshop, co-organized by GAPs staff, including Dr. Rasha Istaiteyeh (Principal Investigator), Prof. Dr. Jamal Al-Shalabi (Co-PI), Ms. Aya Othman, and Ms. Shahed Al-Zughl, explored the theoretical and practical dimensions of Jordan's refugee policies. Attended by 30 participants, it underscored the critical need for coordinated efforts between local governance and international bodies to ensure sustainable outcomes for refugees and host communities alike.
Key Discussions and Findings
The workshop featured three dynamic sessions:
Session 1: Proposed Strategies for Addressing the Crisis
This session delved into the nuanced challenges of refugee return, security concerns, and resource management. Sawsan Al-Mubaideen highlighted the fears surrounding refugee returns, while Dr. Amani Jarar analyzed the regional impacts of the Syrian war on neighboring states like Jordan. Contributions from experts like Dr. Rasha Al-Futyan and Dr. Hassan Jaber examined political reconciliation and the strain on infrastructure, respectively, emphasizing the interplay of local governance and international dynamics.
Session 2: The Jordanian Perspective on the Syrian Refugee Issue
Chaired by Prof. Amin Al-Mashaqbeh, this session provided a critical analysis of Jordan’s strategies. Speakers like Dr. Atallah Al-Sarhan called for a cohesive national framework, while Prof. Mohammed Bani Salameh highlighted gaps in strategic planning. Syrian researcher Karam Yahya offered a poignant personal account, enriching discussions with comparative insights on global refugee policies.Session 3: Brainstorming for Collaborative Solutions
Led by Dr. Istaiteyeh and Prof. Al-Shalabi, this interactive session fostered open dialogue among attendees, including representatives from UNHCR, the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate, and Jordanian think tanks. Discussions emphasized actionable solutions, such as enhancing international funding mechanisms and improving governance frameworks to alleviate resource pressures.
Opening of the Workshop at The Hashemite University
A Glimpse of the Attendees
A Milestone in Refugee Policy Discourse
The workshop not only underscored Jordan’s humanitarian commitment to Syrian refugees but also advanced the GAPs project’s objectives of fostering evidence-based policy dialogue. By bridging academic research with practical strategies, it highlighted the transformative potential of inclusive governance models in addressing one of the most pressing migration challenges of our time.
As Jordan continues to navigate its role as a host country, the workshop served as a vital platform for forging collaborative solutions that balance humanitarian needs with national interests. The gathering demonstrated that effective refugee governance requires a delicate balance between humanitarian concerns, security considerations, and resource management - a balance that Jordan continues to negotiate with remarkable resilience.
The GAPs project workshop not only showcased Jordan's central role in regional refugee management but also highlighted the transformative potential of inclusive governance models in addressing one of the most pressing migration challenges of our time. As the Syrian refugee crisis enters its second decade, the insights generated at this workshop may well shape the future of refugee policy in the region and beyond.
Click here to watch a short video of the event.