World Refugee Day

Beyond Solidarity—Toward Empowerment and Freedom

Every year, World Refugee Day reminds us of the resilience of millions who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or crisis. It is a day to honor their courage, but also a moment to reflect—critically and constructively—on how we, as individuals and institutions, can do more than express solidarity. We must act. We must empower.

The Middle East remains one of the region’s most deeply affected by displacement. As of 2025, the region hosts millions of refugees, including more than 5.4 million registered Syrian refugees across neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan. This comes in addition to longstanding refugee communities from Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, and Yemen—many of whom have lived in protracted displacement for decades.

Jordan stands out as a country that, despite limited resources, has consistently upheld its humanitarian commitment. It currently hosts over 740,000 registered refugees—primarily from Syria—but the real number of displaced people is estimated to be more than 1.3 million. Amongst them are over two million registered Palestinian refugees, with many residing in camps such as Baqaa, the largest refugee camp in Jordan and the region.

However, most refugees in Jordan—over 80%—live outside of camps, in urban and rural communities, navigating daily challenges such as unemployment, access to healthcare, and limited education opportunities. Their resilience is extraordinary. But resilience should not be romanticised—it should be met with responsibility.

At the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, we believe that freedom is not a luxury to be earned—it is a human right to be upheld. And this belief is at the core of our work with refugee communities in Jordan. We do not see refugees merely as vulnerable populations; we see them as future leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change—people with untapped potential who, if given the tools and opportunities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Under the direction of Lilian Haddad, Project Manager at the Refugee Desk, FNF Jordan has developed a series of impactful initiatives that support refugees through long-term, community-driven approaches. Through projects like STEPNAU, we equip refugees with hands-on skills, business training, freelancing tools, and personal development support. The program not only fosters economic empowerment—it cultivates confidence, connection, and purpose.

Our seasonal initiatives, such as the Refugee Christmas Market and Refugee Ramadan Bazaar, provide refugee artisans and entrepreneurs with real platforms to showcase and sell their handmade products, share their cultures, and expand their customer base. These spaces are more than marketplaces—they are opportunities for dignity, storytelling, and inclusion.

At FNF Jordan, we have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of community-based support. We've seen artisans who once doubted their path grow into independent business owners. We've watched young participants evolve from hesitant newcomers into confident leaders. These stories are not exceptions—they are evidence of what becomes possible when freedom meets opportunity.

This World Refugee Day, we call on governments, NGOs, civil society, and individuals not only to stand with refugees but to walk alongside them. Let us advocate for inclusive policies, invest in their skills, amplify their voices, and champion their right to live freely and safely, wherever they may be.

Because freedom means nothing unless it belongs to everyone.