Peace Process & Final Status Agreement
Palestinian - Israeli Conflict
Refugees
Settlements
Jerusalem
Iraq
Greater Middle East Initiative
Jordan and Human Rights
Campaign against terrorism
Syrian and Lebanon

“Jordan has always been the refuge of those escaping conflict in our region. It is the world's largest per capita host of refugees and all those escaping the hell of war. We receive those escaping dire circumstances for humanitarian reasons. These people found a safe refuge in Jordan, where they are provided a decent and stable life. But it does put a strain on our infrastructure and our natural resources. In spite of this, we will not abandon our humanitarian role, and we will continue to support them until circumstances are such that they can return to their countries.”

- His Majesty King Abdullah II
Interview with Asharq Al Awsat, January 2007

• Jordan is the largest host country of Palestinian refugees, most of whom hold the Jordanian citizenship, as full citizens, who share our rights and duties until their problem is solved with return and/or compensation. At that juncture, they will make their own free choice when Arab negotiating parties, succeed in securing them these rights.
• The article dealing with refugees in the Jordanian-Israeli Peace Treaty signed on October 26th 1994, stipulates that both signatories work to resolve the issue of refugees in accordance with international law, and relevant international resolutions in an agreed upon bilateral framework, in conjunction with, and at the same time as, the special negotiations on the permanent status pertaining to the territories referred to in the second paragraph of Article Three, that is the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.
• The problems of displaced persons should be resolved through a quadripartite Jordanian-Palestinian-Egyptian-Israeli committee, as per the Oslo agreements.
• The Principle of the Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees should be acknowledged according to resolution 194 in order to provide the individual refugee with the ability to choose between exercising this right, or asking for compensation and deciding where to live.
• The vast majority of Palestinian Refugees in Jordan became Jordanian citizens as a result of the Unity Declaration between the Kingdom and the West Bank in 1950, without prejudice to their right of return and compensation.
• Refugees of Jordanian nationality expect that the State would protect their basic right of return and compensation in accordance with international law. Displaced Persons also have a strong case to return according to Security Council Resolution 237, which calls upon Israel to facilitate their return. Additionally, they have a legal base for return and compensation under principles of international law that hold states responsible for the injurious acts they commit, and through the Quadripartite Committee on Displaced Persons.
• Jordan cannot impose on its people a settlement that does not meet their interests and its own as a host country shouldering the burden of the refugee problem for the last 52 years. Any solution that does not satisfy the rights of Jordan and its citizens will not lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace.
• Jordan demands the rectification of the damage and losses that it has incurred, including suitable and adequate compensation.
• Jordan’s absorption capacity has been totally exhausted, thus, other countries and parties should shoulder their responsibilities in providing a just and permanent solution for the refugee problem. Jordan will not accept any additional numbers of Refugees and Displaced Persons to those already in Jordan, and it will not grant nationality to any new refugees or displaced persons.

Peace Process & Final Status Agreement  II  Palestinian - Israeli Conflict  II Refugees  II  Settlements  II  Jerusalem  II  Iraq  II  
Campaign against terrorism  II  Syrian and Lebanon  II  Jordan & Human Rights  II  Greater Middle East Initiative