As humanitarian assistance programs for refugees across the region continue to decline, initiatives led by civil society organizations are becoming increasingly vital to ensure that support continues to reach the most vulnerable families.
In this context, the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), in coordination with the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), and with support from Secours Islamique France, implemented a humanitarian initiative to distribute 480 food vouchers, each valued at 50 Jordanian Dinars, to vulnerable Syrian refugee families and Jordanian households from host communities across several governorates in Jordan during the holy month of Ramadan.
The distribution was carried out through local associations that are members of JONAF across multiple governorates, reflecting the growing importance of localization of humanitarian action and the critical role that civil society organizations play in reaching vulnerable families within their own communities.
ARDD commended the important role played by JONAF’s member organizations that contributed transparently to implementing the distribution this year. These include Khawla Bint Al-Azwar Association in Zarqa, Abu Alanda Social Development Association in Amman, Al-Karam Association for Needy Families and Orphans in Mafraq, and Al-Rafid Women’s Agricultural Association in Irbid.
The initiative was implemented in coordination between ARDD and relevant national institutions in Jordan, including the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, helping ensure stronger coordination of humanitarian efforts and directing assistance to the families most in need.
This initiative comes at a time when the humanitarian sector in Jordan is facing growing challenges due to declining international funding for the Syrian crisis response, forcing many assistance programs to scale back support for refugees in recent years.
The World Food Programme has warned in recent reports that funding shortages have already resulted in reductions to food assistance for refugees in Jordan. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR has noted that many of the most vulnerable refugee families have been affected by reductions in cash assistance programs, leaving significant numbers of refugees without direct support during 2025 and 2026.
In light of these challenges, humanitarian initiatives led by local civil society organizations, in partnership with international actors, are playing an increasingly important role in helping bridge funding gaps and maintain support for the most affected communities.
This project forms part of a long-standing humanitarian partnership between ARDD and Secours Islamique France that began in 2013. Through this collaboration, the two organizations have implemented seasonal relief programs supporting vulnerable refugees and host communities across Jordan. Over the years, the partnership has assisted thousands of families through food parcels and voucher distributions, alongside other seasonal initiatives such as Qurbani (Eid Al-Adha sacrifice) programs.
ARDD emphasized that joint humanitarian initiatives are becoming increasingly essential amid the current funding challenges. The organization noted that partnerships between local and international actors are key to sustaining assistance for vulnerable families while strengthening community solidarity.
Food vouchers remain an effective tool in humanitarian response, enabling beneficiary families to select their essential food needs with dignity and flexibility, while also supporting local markets and contributing to local economic resilience.
During the holy month of Ramadan, such initiatives carry particular significance, helping families meet their basic food needs while reinforcing values of solidarity and social cohesion. In the face of growing humanitarian challenges, ARDD and its partners within JONAF continue working to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable families across Jordan.
