Amman: The UAE will open a new refugee camp to house Syrians fleeing the camp in the hamlet of Rabah Al Sarhan in Jordan located on a large concrete lot, according to the UAE Ambassador to Jordan, Dr Abdullah Al Ameri. Gulf News spoke to the ambassador about the camp and the UAE efforts to aid the refugees.
Following are the excerpts:
Q: Ambassador we’ve recently learned the UAE is preparing to open a Syrian refugee camp, how will it be different from the others like the Zaatari refugee camp?
A: Before answering that I want to speak a little about the UAE and Jordanian relations that have been, and remain strong. The trust the Jordan government has placed in the UAE because if its international reputation for humanitarian aid has lead to the Jordanian government to allow the UAE credit to build a refugee camp in the area of Rabah Al Sarhan.
The refugee camp will cater to up to 20,000 Syrian refugees. The building will be ready in the near future and is a continuation of the Zaatari refugee camp opened by Jordanian government although it is in a different location and will be under different administration.
Our efforts all stem from a need to solve this urgent Syrian refugee crisis. These people they need a lot of help and the UAE seeks to provide them humanitarian aid.
To date the number of Syrian refugees in Jordan is 200,000 and the number of those inside the Zaatari camp is somewhere close to 25,000. Therefore the people outside the camps are the bigger majority and they too need lots of help.
Q: How big is the UAE Rescue mission in Jordan?
A: The UAE’s previous experience around the world helping refugees gives the UAE credibility good and experience. Also the credibility of the current field hospital in Mafraq is outstanding and it is actually the largest refugee hospital being built by the UAE.
Q: You mentioned that the Rabah Al Sarhan refugee camp will have buildings?
A: We reject the idea of the presence of tents from a humanitarian perspective. Given the amount of time the refugees will spend in this camp we want to make it as bearable as possible. It will be a complete camp with living spaces made up of portacabins with health care, social and educational facilities.
Q: How will you pick the refugees?
A: We will collaborate with Jordanian authorities and government to find the neediest cases made up of the larger Syrian families — for example with nine children and dependants. Those families will go first.
Q: How long is it going to be open for?
A: We will offer this service until this huge crisis is solved and the refugees return in peace and safety to their home in Syria.
