The constant anxiety I witness in my nephews
and nieces' eyes when hearing about earthquakes speaks volumes. They ask,
"What will happen to us when the earthquake comes? Where will we escape
to?" This echoes the uncertainty felt by many Jordanians, including
myself, amid the calamities around us.
اضافة اعلان
Amidst the ongoing natural disasters in the
Middle East region—earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, Morocco, and storms in Libya—a
spotlight shines on the region's vulnerability to such events. It also
underscores the looming threat of climate migration, causing
anxiety and fear for Jordanians who have always been a sanctuary for others.
Despite its historical significance, the
Middle East remains a turbulent region, facing political, social, natural, and
economic turmoil. However, His Majesty King Abdullah's recent speech at the
UNGA 78 resonates, prompting reflection on Jordan's remarkable role in this
tumultuous landscape.
Libya and Morocco serve as reminds of the
region’s volatility
The crises in Libya and
Morocco serve as stark
reminders of the region's volatility. These events, though seemingly distant,
profoundly impact various aspects of other countries and their people.
Jordan’s humanitarian ethos
Jordan's commitment to providing shelter,
safety, and normalcy to the displaced speaks to its humanitarian ethos.
However, this unwavering support comes at a cost. Refugees are not just
statistics; they are individuals with dreams and aspirations. With mounting
crises, can Jordan alone bear the weight of this increasing wave of refugees?
Amidst the ongoing natural disasters in the Middle East region—earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, Morocco, and storms in Libya—a spotlight shines on the region's vulnerability to such events. It also underscores the looming threat of climate migration, causing anxiety and fear for Jordanians who have always been a sanctuary for others.
216 million individuals might be forced to
migrate
In the words of His Majesty during the UNGA
78, the refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges. However, a
new and possibly more challenging crisis looms: climate migration. The World
Bank's updated Groundswell report predicts that by 2050, 216 million
individuals might be forced to migrate within their national borders due to
climate change's devastating impacts.
Economically vulnerable countries, often
entangled in political and security issues, are likely to produce large numbers
of climate refugees. The refugee crisis is just one facet of broader regional
issues, such as the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Palestine by Israel, which is
of monumental importance to Jordan.
It's not a matter of whether Jordan will open
its doors; history shows it always will. The question is how much more the
nation can take without adequate international support. Relief agencies have
warned of funding shortfalls for years, jeopardizing the support system for
Jordan's refugee population, which constitutes over one-third of the nation's
11-million population.
Recognizing the intersection of the refugee
and climate crises, His Majesty announced the Climate/Refugee Nexus Initiative
during
COP27 in 2022. This initiative prioritizes support for countries hosting
refugees, acknowledging their heightened vulnerability to climate change.
In the words of His Majesty during the UNGA 78, the refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges. However, a new and possibly more challenging crisis looms: climate migration. The World Bank's updated Groundswell report predicts that by 2050, 216 million individuals might be forced to migrate within their national borders due to climate change's devastating impacts.
Imperative
In echoing His Majesty's sentiments and
acknowledging the challenges in the Middle East, especially in the wake of
crises in nations like Libya and Morocco, addressing the dual threat of
conflict and climate-driven displacement becomes imperative. Jordan, as a
sanctuary for refugees, is at the forefront of this looming crisis.
The looming question in every Jordanian's
mind right now is whether it will ever be our turn. Will an earthquake or
tornado destroy the comfort and safety of our homes and our country? It is time
for the international community to move beyond praising Jordan's humanitarian
efforts and actively participate with financial aid, political involvement, and
sustainable solutions for repatriation and resettlement.
As His Majesty said, "refugees' future
is in their country, not in host countries. But until they can return, we must
all do right by them." Each person deserves to be in their own home, safe
and sound.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
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