A visit to the Azraq refugee camp in moving images

Our members Ivo Belet, Augustín Díaz de Mera García-Consuegra, Karl-Heinz Florenz and Viviane Reding MEPs visited the Azraq refugee camp, the second-largest refugee camp in Jordan, that is currently home to more than 39 000 refugees. They met with refugees, relief workers and representatives of the Jordanian government to discuss the greatest needs and challenges of the refugees staying in Jordan.

Karl-Heinz Florenz and Augustín Díaz de Mera García-Consuegra honoured the efforts of the UNHCR and the EU. Díaz de Mera García-Consuegra said: "The UNHCR once again proves its solidarity with and ethical commitment to the refugees." Florenz added: "Thanks to UNHCR and EU support, the Jordanian government has achieved a great deal in the Azraq camp. I think, in addition to accommodation and food, it is of vital interest to the EU to continuously support projects in Jordan giving Syrian refugees prospects and jobs so that they will and can stay. Humanitarian aid for Syria's neighbouring countries is important and necessary. The EU should also intensify its work to address the root causes of migration and to help restore peace in Syria."

Seeing the situation in which these refugees live makes you all the more aware of their vulnerability Ivo Belet

Solidarity with refugees in the area is of crucial importance, Ivo Belet and Viviane Reding said. "It has been an eye-opening experience," said Ivo Belet. "Seeing the situation in which these refugees live makes you all the more aware of their vulnerability. Although they live in containers, with many family members in a small space, we were welcomed warmheartedly everywhere. We must increase EU aid for education, healthcare and basic social rights so as to help these refugees staying in camps to build a future."

Viviane Reding said: "EU values are non-negotiable. Solidarity is one of these values. It is the basis for our support to partner with countries such as Jordan. We need to think of short-term emergency funding but also of long-term enabling measures. Solidarity and responsibility go hand-in-hand to face the refugee crisis with dignity."

It is of vital interest to the EU to continuously support projects in Jordan giving Syrian refugees prospects and jobs Karl-Heinz Florenz

Our members brought back this short video with impressions of daily life in Azraq. The images were made by freelance director Katrien Vanderlinden.