The ongoing political and security crisis in Syria has led to a deterioration of socio-economic conditions in the country, particularly food security. Since March 2011, thousands of Syrians have crossed into Jordan to seek a safe haven. Many of these refugees are in need of humanitarian assistance, including food and shelter. Prices of commodities are higher in Jordan than Syria, limiting the purchasing power of Syrian refugees in Jordan.
According to the Government of Jordan more than 200,000 Syrians have entered the country. As of 12 November, more than 87,000 Syrians have registered with UNHCR, while over 31,000 are awaiting registration. The majority of the Syrian refugees in Jordan are currently hosted by local communities in urban areas. . On 29 July, the Jordanian Government, UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF and the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) opened Al Zaatari refugee camp after transit facilities at the Jordanian border became oversaturated with new arrivals.
Currently the camp, which is 15 km from Jordan's northern city of Mafraq near the Syrian border, can accommodate up to 45,000 refugees and a second camp in Zarqa is under preparation with an initial capacity of 5,500 people. In addition, the two transit centres of King Abdullah Park and Cyber City remain operational in Ramtha. The centres were opened in April 2012 to provide temporary shelter and protection for Syrians crossing the border into Jordan.
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