Emphasizing the importance of the localization of humanitarian and development work in Jordan and the role of effective partnership between civil society and international institutions in strengthening it, especially in light of the current circumstances plaguing the region, and under the title “Partners through thick and thin”, the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF) organized its annual event for the Al-Nahda Localization Award for Humanitarian Action of 2023, which was awarded to the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan, Dominic Bartsch, in recognition of his contributions and achievements in supporting this important agenda to advance development plans and strategies in Jordan.
In this context, Dr. Sawsan Majali, a member of the JONAF Administrative Committee, said: “Upholding basic humanitarian principles is essential under the current circumstances.” She then added that “Now more than ever, we need to highlight the need to activate the localization of humanitarian action and call on various stakeholders to work together and extend the hands of cooperation to overcome global and local crises and challenges.” She also pointed out that supporting the capabilities of local and national bodies works to raise the efficiency of the humanitarian response and the sustainability of development efforts.
Eng. Mai Abu Addad, member of the JONAF and President of the Step of Hope Association in Irbid, praised the essential and pivotal role of the JONAF Alliance in gaining the support of decision-makers in promoting the localization of humanitarian and development work, in addition to the Forum’s efforts in developing the work of local organizations and associations. Moreover, she stated that unemployment, health, education, and the challenges of refugees are among the most pressing issues at the local level, and that these challenges can be addressed through local approaches to humanitarian action and the continued support for those working to meet these needs in different governorates.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan, Sheri Anderson, stressed Jordan’s pivotal role in maintaining stability in the region and its tireless efforts in the refugee file, saying: “We acknowledge Jordan’s continued support for the refugee issue.” She then added: “I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate the recognition of the courageous figure represented by Dominique Bartsch, as localization of humanitarian action has often been a top priority for the United Nations, including UNHCR”.
In his speech, Bartsch expressed his contentment that Jordan has made significant progress in the field of localization of humanitarian action, pointing out that there is still a lot for UNHCR to offer to empower local actors, as well as the need to find appropriate ways to activate partnerships between all local actors to achieve a comprehensive renaissance and better responses to the needs of communities targeted by humanitarian and development agendas. “I accept this award on behalf of the UNHCR team,” he said, adding: “I pledge to all of you to continue to provide support to all those who need our support.”
In turn, CEO of ARDD, Samar Muhareb, pointed out that the award is announced annually in conjunction with the International Day of the United Nations Charter on Human Rights, to emphasize the importance of these charters and rights at the local level, and the need to work to make them more relatable in order to respond to the reality of all peoples of the world, by working to support their localization, and adhering to them by the most needy communities everywhere, as they represent humanitarian gains and achievements for all, although the current circumstances have limited their application in our region, but that this will push us further to protect them and demand their application. Furthermore, Muhareb expressed her deep gratitude for the efforts of the United Nations and its partnership with Jordanian civil society and standing side by side with local civil society organizations through all crises, stressing the need for local, national, and international institutions to unite to activate the localization of humanitarian action, saying: “We believe in the localization of humanitarian action and the bridges it builds. Our mission is to stand united through thick and thin and to do what we can, despite our limited resources, to enhance the response and sustain our development goals.”
In 2021, ARDD, the coordinator of JONAF, along with the Forum’s Steering Committee, launched the “Al-Nahda Localization Award for Humanitarian Action” in recognition of the tremendous efforts of distinguished individuals and/or prominent international organizations who advocate and support the localization of humanitarian action, and in recognition of their role in advancing civil society organizations at both the local and international levels.
The award also considers outstanding courage, creativity, and the ability to inspire others, as well as leadership side by side with action as part of the community of humanitarian workers, and adherence to the highest standards of integrity in critical contexts.
