ARDD’s Legal Aid Response Amid Evolving Syrian Crisis Dynamics January – June 2025 Update

Introduction

As the Syrian crisis enters a pivotal new phase, marked by discussions around return, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) continues to play a critical role in providing legal aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan and beyond. Through its Legal Aid Department and 24/7 Emergency Hotline, ARDD offers timely, trusted, and accessible legal support in an environment increasingly shaped by uncertainty, misinformation, and renewed risks of exploitation.

This period has seen heightened levels of confusion and legal vulnerability reminiscent of the early years of the crisis. In response, ARDD is reinforcing its position as a reliable legal reference for Syrian refugees, drawing on a deep, continuous analysis of legal developments and trends, both locally and regionally. This includes the daily monitoring of formal communications and decisions issued by Jordanian and Syrian authorities, especially those impacting refugees’ legal status and return prospects.

Advocacy and Coordination

Legal Aid Recognized as Lifesaving Assistance

During the recent UNHCR-led humanitarian sector prioritization exercise, prompted by the U.S. foreign aid cuts, legal aid was classified as a “Lifesaving Assistance” service. This recognition supports advocacy efforts to maintain legal aid as a priority within the refugee response and reaffirms ARDD’s ongoing partnership with UNHCR during this protracted crisis.

Collaborative Closure of the Emirati Jordanian Camp (EJC)

In response to the closure of the EJC, ARDD worked closely with UNHCR and humanitarian partners to ensure Syrians departing the camp received legal awareness sessions and individual counseling, regardless of whether they were returning to Syria or being relocated to Azraq Camp. ARDD’s legal teams were present daily at both camps, with continuous follow-up through our two field offices in Azraq.

Scaling Up Legal Services in 2025

Between January and June 2025, ARDD significantly expanded its legal services to respond to rising demand, especially related to voluntary return.

Key highlights include:

• Scaling Up Legal Services in 2025 ·       Proactively monitoring fraud trends and misinformation ·       Disseminating timely legal updates in coordination with UNHCR ·       Reconnecting with Syrian Lawyers Initiative (SLI) to rebuild a network inside Syria

  Proactively monitoring fraud trends and misinformation is similar to the patterns seen in the early crisis years. While the nature of rumors may echo the past, today’s refugees are more legally aware and consistently turn to ARDD as a trusted source.

• Coordination with UNHCR to disseminate timely and verified legal updates via FAQs, legal awareness sessions, and social media campaigns.
• Ongoing collaboration with Syrian and Jordanian authorities to validate information related to legal procedures and documentation.
• ARDD’s hotline has begun receiving calls from returnees inside Syria, indicating a growing cross-border demand for legal support. In coordination with UNHCR in both Jordan and Syria, ARDD continues to respond to these requests with verified legal advice.
• Reviving the Syrian Lawyers Initiative (SLI): ARDD is reconnecting with Syrian lawyers who were part of the 2014–2016 SLI to begin rebuilding a legal aid network inside Syria. A new legal needs assessment inside Syria is underway and will be published by July 2025 to mark World Refugee Day.

In parallel, ARDD will be publishing analytical reports on the state of legal aid in Jordan as part of its ongoing advocacy efforts under the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), ARDD’s think tank arm.

Key Legal Issues Addressed by ARDD (Jan–Jun 2025)

1. Legal Questions Related to Return to Syria

For both urban-based and camp-based Syrian refugees:

• Obtaining exit permissions for minors
• Checking for travel bans, arrest warrants, or pending legal claims
• Addressing financial claims from hospitals or public institutions
• Settling personal debts that may prevent border crossing
• Preparing and legalizing essential documents
• Guidance on logistics and legal protocols related to voluntary return

1. Legal Challenges Within Jordan

• Landlord–tenant disputes
• Financial claims, including those from hospitals or universities
• Family law cases: custody, marriage, divorce, alimony
• Juvenile and adult criminal cases
• Employment law: work permits and social security entitlements
• Administrative detention and deportation defense
• Clarification on UNHCR and partner assistance programs

1. Inquiries from Syrians Residing Abroad

• Entry procedures for previously deported individuals
• Legal status verification prior to re-entry
• Reissuance and legalization of documents
• Services offered by the Syrian Embassy in Jordan
• Re-registration with UNHCR and access to humanitarian aid
• Legal options for onward travel, resettlement, and immigration

Conclusion

In this crucial moment of transition, ARDD remains deeply committed to empowering Syrian refugees with accurate legal information and tailored legal support. Whether navigating return, remaining in Jordan, or seeking assistance from abroad, refugees continue to rely on ARDD’s legal expertise to protect their rights, avoid exploitation, and make informed decisions.

By combining frontline legal aid with strategic advocacy, ARDD ensures that legal protection is not just a service, but a pathway to dignity, stability, and justice.