Background on the ARDD–UNHCR Partnership
Since 2010, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) has been the sole legal implementing partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan, following a preparatory phase in 2009 that laid the foundation for a long-term, strategic partnership between the two entities.
Through this collaboration, ARDD has developed unique expertise in international refugee law and a deep understanding of humanitarian principles and protection practices. Over the years, the partnership has significantly strengthened ARDD’s institutional capacity, positioning it as one of Jordan’s leading national experts in legal aid and access to justice.
Building on this foundation, ARDD has evolved from providing direct legal assistance to adopting a holistic protection approach—one that links legal aid with broader access to justice, social protection, and empowerment for refugees and asylum seekers.
This enduring partnership has also empowered ARDD to become a prominent advocate for the rights of refugees, migrants, and displaced populations in Jordan, across the region, and globally.
Project Activities
The ARDD–UNHCR partnership is centered on providing legal and protection-focused services to refugees and host communities across Jordan. Under the annually renewed project, ARDD delivers a wide range of pro bono legal aid services, while also promoting legal awareness, social protection, and advocacy to enhance access to justice for vulnerable populations.
All services are free of charge, with ARDD covering all associated legal fees related to the services provided to beneficiaries.
- Legal Services:
ARDD provides a wide range of services, including legal awareness sessions, community outreach, training, legal counseling, mediation, accompaniment before official entities, and court representation. - Specific Case Types:
The project addresses a broad spectrum of legal issues, including but not limited to:- Criminal and juvenile cases.
- Administrative detention and deportation.
- Personal status matters (marriage, divorce, custody).
- Labor law (work permits, labor rights, social security).
- Landlord–tenant disputes.
- Financial disputes.
- Civil documentation (birth, death, marriage certificates).
- Community-Focused Initiatives:
The project also includes initiatives promoting social protection, gender equality, and civic engagement, especially among women in refugee camps and host communities. - Advocacy:
ARDD and UNHCR jointly advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, contributing to national policy discussions and integration within Jordan’s broader protection and development strategies. - Operational Reach:
Services are delivered nationwide, including in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps, as well as in Amman, Irbid, Mafraq, Karak, and other governorates. - Emergency Response:
During emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ARDD maintained access to legal services through remote counselling and an emergency hotline system, ensuring continuity of protection services. - 24/7 Emergency Hotline:
A dedicated hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, responding to urgent protection and legal needs and ensuring rapid intervention and referral. - Referral Mechanisms:
ARDD coordinates with other national and international NGOs and INGOs to ensure safe and effective referrals in cases requiring complementary services such as cash, health, education, or mental health support. Coordination is maintained through established inter-agency protection mechanisms in Jordan.
- Coordination with Governmental Entities:
ARDD coordinates closely with various governmental entities to ensure the effective delivery of legal services and protection for refugees and asylum seekers across Jordan. In particular, within both Zaatari and Azraq camps, ARDD’s offices provide direct coordination and technical support to several official bodies, including the Sharia Courts, Civil Status and Passports Department, Family and Juvenile Department, Police Directorate, and other relevant governmental institutions.
Highlights of the Project’s Publication and News:
Right of Access to Justice for Refugees in Jordan
A Decade of Legal Aid for Refugees in Jordan
A Delegation from the Jordanian Parliament, Civil Society …
For detailed information on the number, demographic composition, and profiles of UNHCR-registered refugees and asylum seekers in Jordan, please visit the UNHCR Portal.
