Safeguard Gaps in Refugee Aid Leave Women Vulnerable to Sexual Exploitation in Jordan

A 23-year-old Syrian refugee recounted an unsettling experience with a Jordanian Christian aid worker, revealing how a lack of safeguards left her vulnerable to sexual abuse. The man, who was affiliated with a local Christian and Missionary Alliance church, offered her additional assistance beyond standard aid packages, including items like a washing machine or a television. However, his offer came with an unwanted proposition. The woman described how he touched her hand and attempted to kiss her, prompting her to pull back. Following this incident, she received no further aid from the church.

The Jordanian church’s refugee aid program received hundreds of thousands of dollars annually over seven years from multiple international Christian aid agencies and North American churches. Despite this financial support, neither the churches nor the aid organizations conducted any checks to ensure the local partner had policies in place to protect vulnerable women from sexual exploitation. The church lacked a formal reporting mechanism for abuse complaints, with the only option being to report to the pastor, who was the brother of the accused man.

An anonymous American Christian woman, who has worked in the region for over a decade, shared her concerns about the situation. She noted that church leaders had been aware of the issue for years but took no action. “Leaders at the church had been hearing this for years. Pastors did nothing for years,” she said. She emphasized that the abuse was not an isolated incident, stating that it had become common knowledge among Syrians. “They would say, ‘If you want help from the church, send your young, pretty girls,’ ” she recounted. “There wasn’t one witness. There were like 99 witnesses.”

The trend of Christian aid organizations funneling resources through local churches and ministries has grown in recent years. This approach, often referred to as using “implementing partners,” is considered a best practice in aid distribution. It aims to reduce overhead costs and empower communities receiving assistance. However, this method can create accountability gaps. As the source notes, “adding links to the humanitarian supply chain also adds gaps in accountability.”

The incident highlights the potential risks of relying on local partners without adequate oversight. While the intention behind such partnerships is to provide effective aid, the absence of clear protections and reporting mechanisms can leave vulnerable individuals exposed to abuse. The case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in humanitarian efforts, ensuring that aid reaches those in need without compromising their safety or dignity.

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