JORDAN’S ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP EVOLVES INTO A DIY CITY
The sprawling Zaatari refugee camp in southern Jordan has grown into a de facto city, with its own informal economy, governance structures, and social dynamics. However, behind the scenes, a different story is unfolding.
Crime Rates on the Rise
According to the Jordan Times, crime rates have risen significantly over the past five years, mirroring the growth of transnational organized crime networks in the region. The camp, which has been home to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees since 2012, has become a hotbed for criminal activity.
Factors Contributing to Crime
- Lack of effective law enforcement and governance structures
- Proximity to lucrative European black markets
- Geographic location of Jordan making it an attractive hub for criminal activity
- Weak economies and high unemployment rates in the country providing fertile ground for criminal groups to operate
Government Agencies Struggle to Combat Serious Crime
The Public Security Directorate (PSD) is responsible for law enforcement across the country, but its efforts have been hampered by limited resources and corruption. Jordan had a law prohibiting trafficking in children since 1926, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the Anti-Human Trafficking Law was passed, covering adults as well.
Shortcomings in Anti-Trafficking Measures
- Victims’ testimonies are often unreliable due to fear, shame, and blackmail by employers
- Lack of interpreters, translators, and evidence hinders investigations
- Penalties for sex trafficking offenses not being commensurate with other serious crimes (US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2018)
A Call to Action
As the camp continues to grow into a de facto city, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of crime and corruption. Until then, the residents of Zaatari will continue to live in a state of uncertainty and fear. It is essential for government agencies and organizations to work together to combat serious and organized crime, ensuring the safety and well-being of those living in the camp.