This report is a baseline assessment of community-identified vulnerabilities among Syrian refugees living in Amman;; Irbid;; Madaba;; Mufraq;; and Zarqa. The purpose of this report is to identify urban Syrian refugees’ current coping mechanisms and any gaps in services available to Syrian refugees in Jordan. The research methodology is both qualitative and participatory in design;; drawing from the UNHCR tool for Participatory Assessment in Operations. This report presents only the data from household interviews;; baseline assessment;; and the follow-up focus groups conducted with community members. The number of households surveyed was 240;; with a total number of 1;;476 household members and 89 focus group participants representing 534 household members. The report proposed general recommendations and interventions to deal with the main highlighted challenges (cash assistance;; strengthening community links;; vocational training;; physical activities ...etc).

The report aims to address the particular needs and cultural dynamics of Syrian refugees residing in Jordan;; especially with regards gender-based violence and child protection issues. It presents a comprehensive range of perspectives from urban Syrian refugees and local Jordanian decision makers in government;; community-based organizations and the religious and education sectors. The assessment of this report is based on data collected through three methodologies including questionnaire survey to refugees outside the Za’atari refugee camp;; focus group discussions in regions across Jordan and in-depth interviews. Key findings of the report are 1. The rates of early marriage are high;; 2. A significant percentage of children contribute to the household’s income and 3. Restrictions on women and girls’ mobility constrain their participation in social and economic activities and access to basic services. The report recommends measures to prevent acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and ensure the needs of the most vulnerable members of the Syrian refugee population in the cities.