UNICEF Chief Urges Sustained Funding for Children in Jordan Amid Resource Decline

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell concluded a two-day visit to Jordan on 29 September 2026, calling for sustained international support to protect progress for vulnerable children as funding declines.

During her visit, Russell met with Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Dr. Azmi Mahafzah and Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa to address the ongoing needs of children across the country. She also visited a Jordan River Foundation community centre, where the agency collaborates with local partners to deliver learning, child protection, and support services.

Russell commended the country's national strategies in child protection, youth support, and social protection, specifically highlighting the integration of children with disabilities into vital services. According to UNICEF, nearly every child in Jordan attends primary school, supported by legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Law of 2022.

Despite these advancements, UNICEF reported that significant challenges persist for children and youth in the country. Approximately one in seven children in Jordan experiences multidimensional poverty, lacking dependable access to basic education and healthcare. Additionally, the agency noted that nearly three in four children between the ages of 1 and 14 face violent discipline at home, and the youth unemployment rate stands at around 39 per cent.

Jordan continues to host a substantial population of Syrian refugees, having sheltered 1.3 million individuals at the peak of the Syrian conflict. While thousands have returned, many remain in need of international humanitarian assistance.

UNICEF warned that a declining funding environment is actively challenging the delivery of essential services to the most vulnerable children. The agency is urging international donors to provide flexible, multi-year funding to help reinforce Jordan's national systems.

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