Paper short abstract:

The host communities' perception of the refugees is vital in managing humanitarian disasters. This study offers empirical evidence on perceptions towards and of Syrian refugees in Jordan in demonstrating how host-refugee interactions can be improved to promote inclusive resilience in the host states

Paper long abstract:

Understanding the perceptions and experiences of the host community is vital in enacting policies for economic integration, social cohesion, and harmonious coexistence between refugees and the host community. To date, little is known that directly addresses the (mis)perceptions of the host community on refugees, which can facilitate marginalisation and social exclusion of the refugees. This study expands on the extant literature by engaging with host communities and refugees to assess the perceptions of the host community of Al-Mafraq, Jordan towards Syrian refugees. In doing so, this research offers empirical evidence collected through five focus groups consisting of Syrian refugees, Jordan residents and humanitarian workers. The arguments also include the responses of an online survey (n=596) carried out to discern Jordanians' experiences with refugees.

In a fragile state of the economy and amid regional unrest, it is essential that Jordan creates and maintain an environment that promotes solidarity, diversity, and respect toward positive host-refugee relations. As previous studies have shown, when encouraged and when their needs are considered in development planning and services, refugees can contribute to positive socio-economic changes. The perceptions of the Jordanian host community can challenge some dominant misconceptions towards refugees allowing space for effective integration as well as promoting inclusiveness in Jordan. This would also highlight the needs and resilience of all marginalised individuals (e.g. Jordanians and refugees) in national planning process. This will also facilitate capacity building of the host country to achieve sustainable development in the context of an increasingly protracted displacement situation.