WUNRN
|
With little or no income, Iraqis in Jordan are under
increasing pressure, heightening tension in households |
AMMAN, 29 April 2008 (IRIN) - A study published
in March by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the
mental state of Iraqis in Jordan and Lebanon has pointed to mounting social and
economic problems as the cause of increased domestic violence.
[Read this report in
Arabic]
"Most families prefer to sweep their problems under
the carpet because [to them] reputation matters more than anything else,"
said Shankul Kader from the Jordanian-Iraqi Brotherhood Society, a
non-governmental organisation trying to help the Iraqi community in Jordan.
"The fact that most men are forced to stay at home
due to the lack of jobs, and the lack of social interaction among the refugees,
has heightened tension in households," the study said. It revealed that 15
percent of women interviewed in female-only focus groups reported an increase
in family violence.
"A well-raised Iraqi woman should tolerate
everything in silence... My husband has no other way to get rid of his
anger," one woman told researchers.
Since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, over half a
million Iraqis have moved to Jordan, hoping to return home when things improve.
Few jobs
Most Iraqis in Jordan are middle class, but over the
years their savings have run down, and there are few jobs. Only about 22
percent of Iraqi adults in Jordan work; the rest are jobless, according to a
recent study by the Norway-based FAFO Institute for Applied International
Studies.
A large number of Iraqis rely on financial aid from
relatives outside the Middle East, mostly in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and
Sweden, while others rely on temporary jobs, as immigration rules prevent them
from holding permanent jobs.
"Men resort to violence because of social and
economic pressures. Iraqis in Jordan are living in constant worry about their
future," Shankul said.
Activists involved in helping Jordanian women survive
domestic violence say their doors are open to Iraqi women. Asma Khader, a
women's rights activist and lawyer, said the Jordan Federation for Women is
engaged in activities to help abused Iraqi women. "Social barriers remain
the biggest challenge in tackling domestic problems," she told IRIN.
================================================================
To leave the list, send your request by email to: wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com.
Thank you.