The Center of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration studies at Yarmouk University, in partnership with the German Development Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has completed the third phase of the psychosocial support project, which is an advanced training course on the subject of psychosocial support in the context of forced migration.

This course aimed to provide a training opportunity on the subject of psychosocial support for Syrian refugees and the host community (the Jordanian community), and to enhance competencies in the same field for graduates in order to enable them to provide psychosocial support services in an efficient manner, through which the psychological resilience of migrants, refugees and society is strengthened. The host.

The course lasted for six weeks from 23-8-2020 until 1-10-2020, with four weeks of academic teaching, including four days of internal sessions and one day of online courses every week, followed by two weeks of field training in one of the organizations that provide Psychosocial support services, and theoretical training collected a mixture of theoretical and applied inputs that were provided by specialists in the fields of forced migration, refugee studies and related to psychosocial support, as the course included four comprehensive modules to cover different aspects of refugee issues and keep abreast of technological developments:

• The first Module: Introduction to psychosocial support in the context of asylum.

• The second Module: Psychosocial support services for individuals, families and society.

• The third Module: Effective communication and conflict resolution.

• The fourth Module: smart technologies used in the application of psychosocial support services.

As for the practical part, it may be from several methods, including, for example, the blended learning method, which includes interactive activities such as role-playing and other interactive methods, in addition to that the participants apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in field training in the host organizations to which they have been distributed, and they have also been visited from Dr. Alaa Al-Qudah, Deputy Director - Project Coordinator - accepted periodically to see the progress of the training process.

 The center had held an introductory day for the project participants, in the presence of representatives of associations and organizations, during which the director of the center, Dr. Anas Al-Subuh, confirmed that this project, in its third phase, is an opportunity for members of the local community, both Jordanians and Syrians, to acquire the basic skills necessary to deal with vulnerable individuals in the field of psychosocial support, and the possibility Providing them with the benefit that qualifies them to integrate into society, to be active members of society development.

Al-Subuh added that choosing Yarmouk University to implement this project in its various stages confirms the confidence of international institutions and organizations in it because of its good reputation and distinguished position at the regional and global levels, and its academic and administrative competencies that qualify it for that.

 Dr. Christine from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) - Director of the Psychosocial Support and Trauma Program in Jordan - stressed the importance of holding the project in its third phase at Yarmouk University and her happiness with the partnership between Yarmouk and the German Agency and the extent of cooperation between the two institutions, which greatly contributed to its success. She provided an overview of the project experience in its first and second stages, the number of students who participated in it and the opportunities it provided to them in the field of the labor market.

 During the meeting, moderated by Dr. Alaa Al-Qudah, Deputy Director - Project Coordinator, the sixteen participants in the third phase of the project were introduced to all the details related to the training course in terms of the goals to be achieved and the benefit that accrues to them, and the time frame and duration of both theoretical and practical training. And to learn about the experience of the first and second stages and how the center works in partnership with the lecturers to continuously develop the training material to ensure its compatibility and compatibility with the developments in the field of psychosocial support.

In the second part of the meeting, which was attended by the trained professors, a detailed explanation was given about the training course courses and what they include and each course aims for. Dr. Muawiya Khattabeh and Dr. Ruba Al-Akash spoke about the first course, "Introduction to Psychosocial Support in the Context of Asylum", and each of Dr. Ahmed Sharifin and Dr. Muayad Miqdadi for the second course "Psychosocial support services for individuals, family and society", Dr. Muhammad Alawneh and Professor Tareq Al Nasser for the third course "Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution", and Dr. Anas Al Sobh on the fourth course "Smart techniques used in the application of psychological support services." Social. "

On the other hand, representatives of the associations and organizations expressed their thanks to Yarmouk University and its constant eagerness to partner with local and civil society institutions, in addition to their full readiness to cooperate in implementing the third phase of the project and to provide all the capabilities that would facilitate the students' mission and provide them with the necessary experience that helps them in dealing with various Cases.

Representing the President of the University, Dr. Zeidan Kafafi, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Anis Khasawneh, sponsored the activities of the symposium "Dangers of Extremism among Refugees: Reality and Challenges" organized by the Center for Studies of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration, in cooperation with the Knights for Peace, in the seminars and conferences building

Al-Khasawneh stressed that His Majesty the King's launch of the Amman message was consistent and consistent with the religious and moral values and global standards for dealing with humanity, as well as an affirmation of the Hashemite stances against extremism in all its forms and a call for respect for humanity and dialogue to converge views in order to spread the spirit of love, tolerance, honor and grant of mankind. The right to live safely.

He added that holding this symposium comes out of our belief and concern at Yarmouk University with all seriousness and depth, in line with global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, which have become a global threat that crosses borders.

Al-Khasawneh showed the importance of such seminars and workshops in confronting extremist thought that tries to penetrate our minds and spread its toxins, especially in the thought of young people during recent years in our Arab region and the world.

He stressed that the Jordanian people in the country of the Hashemites are keen on embracing the Syrian brothers and integrating them into our Jordanian society and consolidating the rules of equality and mercy that emanate from the system of values and principles stemming from our true religion and our societal heritage.

The director of the Center for Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies, Dr. Anas Al-Subuh, said that, in order to achieve the values adopted by Yarmouk University in the social and ethical axis of moderation, equality and in line with the teachings of the noble Semitic religion, the authentic Arab customs and traditions, and the supreme human ideal, this symposium is organized In cooperation with the Peace Knights.

The holding of this symposium comes at a time when the crisis of extremism has become one of the most dangerous diseases that kills societies, kills the spirit of tolerance among people, and creates patterns of fanatical minds filled with hatred, so the process of dealing with this global social dilemma has become an urgent necessity.

On the role of educational institutions in caring for refugees, the Dean of Irbid University College - Balqa Applied University, Dr. Mustafa Ayrout, said that the role of educational institutions - schools and universities - in addition to media institutions is not limited to teaching and providing theoretical material on the part of teachers and faculty members, but rather Directing students towards enhancing belonging to the homeland and leadership and deepening the concepts of the state and its sublime values.

He believes that extremism exists in all countries of the world and is not limited to any country, for the refugees came as a result of what terrorism and extremism suffered and their countries suffered, praising what the Kingdom presented and advanced in its dealings with the issue of refugees in general and the Syrians in particular, by assimilating them and integrating them into society and providing all means Live and life to them.

Ayrout stressed that Jordan has provided the necessary services to the refugees and bears the exorbitant financial cost that exceeds its capabilities, in exchange for a small international support whose value does not exceed 35% of what it bears, from here we must highlight the role of our country and the Hashemite leadership in caring for the refugees and assimilating them based on the teachings of our religion, Arabism and our humanity.

In turn, the head of the Committee for Displaced Persons and Refugees at the Knights of Peace, attorney Taghreed Al-Maaytah, said that refugees in various regions of the world are most affected by insecurity, as the vast majority of refugees flee to countries surrounding their countries, referring to the scenes that expressed sympathy and solidarity through the response to refugees to We see divisive and hate politics gaining momentum and exacerbated by unconscious rhetoric in the media and other public forums.

She pointed out that the wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen have led to the displacement of millions of refugees, which constitutes a historic turning point for the region, as the increasing sectarian nature of these conflicts contributes to dismantling the idea of a national state that is based on societal diversity.

The statement reviewed the main factors and determinants that direct refugees towards extremism and violence, such as the administrative and legal policies of the receiving state, the political and jihadist organizations, the extent of providing security, the places designated for refugees, the internal resentment of the citizens of the host countries, and the circumstances surrounding young refugees.

Professor of Islamic Call and Media at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, Dr. Muhammad al-Rabab'a, said that security is one of the great blessings that God bestowed upon us, and this is what distinguishes our country - and praise be to God - so that Jordan has become a safe haven for those who seek security, safety and peace.

Al-Rababa'a indicated that extremism is represented in several forms and forms, including extremism in thought, speech and behavior, and each of them has his own way in society, indicating that the presence of refugees is an inevitable result of this extremism.

He added that the Jordanian environment is an environment that repels extremism, and this is linked to aspects related to the cultural and intellectual aspects of our society, as well as the values of our country and its wise policy, and the best proof of this is the Amman Message and its meanings that reinforce the lofty principles of humanity and derived from the essence of our true religion.

Al-Rababa'a pointed out the importance of family immunization, mosque discourse, school curricula and university curricula in promoting and deepening the noble concepts that fortify our youth, protect them from extremism, and invite them to work, perseverance, achievement and creativity.

The Director of Studies at the Global Forum for Moderation, Dr. Hassan Al-Mobaideen said that this symposium discusses a humanitarian issue par excellence with local, national and national dimensions, which makes it imperative for the participants to come up with recommendations that would support political, development, economic and social decision-makers, given that the refugee issue has become a burden not on states. Not only host but a national and international burden.

He pointed out that those who follow the emergence of the Jordanian state noticed the great impact of refugees on the political development of Jordan, pointing out that when the Jordanian society became civil with its accumulated societal formation, it produced societal institutions and organizations with goals that deal with them politically, economically and socially.

Al-Mobaideen pointed out the role of civil society organizations and institutions in supporting refugees, as parties with economic and social programs can access the ranks of refugees in order to ensure the preparation of a database on the numbers of refugees, their intellectual, cultural and political references, and their economic and social needs, in order to integrate them into society according to its vision, constants, principles and goals.

Mobaideen added that charitable societies are making redoubled efforts to fulfill their humanitarian mission in accordance with their goals aimed at providing material, psychological, counseling and awareness assistance, as well as their efforts to present a preventive idea to refugees in light of the living reality that refugees are exposed to in camps with services and infrastructure that lack the minimum requirements. good life.

Representing the President of the University, Dr. Zeidan Kafafi, Vice President for Administrative Affairs Dr. Anis Al-Khasawneh sponsored the activities of the symposium on "Social Media and its Effects on the Local Community and Refugees", which was organized by the Center for Studies of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration at Yarmouk University in cooperation with the Public Security Directorate and the University of Applied Sciences For public service in Bavaria-Germany, at the Intercontinental Hotel - Amman.

Al-Khasawneh said in his opening speech that we at Yarmouk University believe that universities are one of the most important tools for change in society and are a source of inspiration and renewal, and that they should play a positive role in developing our society and preserving its resources and sustainability.

He added that Yarmouk University has been interested in the issue of social media, especially with regard to issues of the local community and refugees, in its various dimensions, because of its belief in the close relationship between its role in participation in the form of scientific and technical development related to communication and communication technology, and the changes in our societal reality.

Al-Khasawneh added that in the last two decades there has been a real and tremendous scientific revolution in the field of social networks that has led to great and profound social changes at all levels, which cannot be described in general terms as positive or negative changes, hence the importance of this symposium, to benefit from its positives and bypass Its downsides.

The Director of the Center of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration studies, Dr. Anas Al-Subuh, said that, according to His Majesty the King’s article “Communication platforms or social conflict?”, Yarmouk University's efforts continued through the center to promote and protect refugees and members of the host community, by improving the services provided to citizens and refugees, and paying attention to By protecting it, and accordingly, we seek, in cooperation with organizations, institutions and societies of the local community, for the supremacy to achieve the desired shift in the field of enhancing human protection and activating mechanisms for taking care of his rights.

He added, with the tremendous development of electronic equipment and data transmission, Jordan has come to live in the information age, which is what the Syrian refugees in Jordan have realized, since the beginning of their influx in 2011, when a community of their own began to form through the Internet and social media sites inside and outside the camps.

He continued, "These sites have played an important role in conveying news of Syrian refugees in the countries of asylum, and proposing solutions to their problems, which prompted most of them to follow these sites, hoping to improve their living conditions."

The Dean of the Faculty of Information at Yarmouk University, Dr. Khalaf Al-Tahat, confirmed that the traditional and even hypothetical Jordanian media reflected the concepts and values of the Jordanian state and the Jordanian people in dealing with refugees in a humane manner and did not record any transgressions in this regard.

He stressed that the Jordanian experience is considered one of the oldest and most ancient experiences with regard to asylum, indicating that the Jordanian media used to reflect the civilized image in dealing with refugees, by promoting a culture of tolerance and acceptance of others, and it was not one day reinforcing hostility or offensive against refugees. They feel that they are part of this society and its fabric, as the Jordanian media was a reflection of the royal directives and the values of the Jordanian society and the constants of the Jordanian state in this regard.

Dr. Muhammad al-Rabab'a, from the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Yarmouk University, pointed out the negatives that were reflected in the virtual space, so that it became an easy way for people of extremist and deviant thought. They employed the new media, with its advantages and capabilities that transcend temporal and spatial boundaries, in reaching individuals and being alone with them.

He added that the multimedia provided by this electronic space enabled them to publish whatever textual ideas, pictures or videos they want, so the media made it easier for the masters of this thought to spread their ideas and messages through which they were able to kidnap many young people and recruit them with them, until it became a threat to individuals' awareness and thought. And their beliefs, values, and behaviors, and making them vulnerable to intellectual alienation or targeting and kidnapping that are hunting the youth of our nation and threatening our societies and disturbing the sleep of those who are safe from both worlds.

Dr. Khair Dhiabat from the Department of Political Science at Yarmouk University, in his paper entitled Social Media Between Terrorist Organizations and Terrorism of Lone Wolves, presented how social media is used in terrorist activities by terrorist organizations and lone wolves in terms of communication, electronic terrorism, terrorist recruitment, financing and planning their operations.

Diabat also presented how ordinary people have turned into potential lone wolves, providing important recommendations to combat this phenomenon through concerted governmental and societal efforts to reduce the disadvantages of using social media.

 Dr. Muhammad Al-Maabara from the Faculty of Law at Yarmouk University pointed to the topic of electronic crimes in general and crimes related to extremism, as he dealt with the crime of recruitment in Jordanian penal legislation, and the penalties that it entails in view of the danger it poses to the entity of society and the state.

The statement reviewed the common criminal acts that occurred using social networking sites, such as defamation, slander, contempt and violation of the privacy and freedoms of others, from the perspective of Jordanian and comparative law.

The Center of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration studies  held the first introductory day for the participants of the psychosocial support project, which is implemented in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which is the start of the third phase of the project and the training course that will start on Sunday 23-8-2020.

The director of the center, Dr. Anas Al-Subuh, said in his opening speech that this project, in its third phase, is an opportunity for members of the local community, both Jordanians and Syrians, to acquire the basic skills needed to deal with vulnerable individuals in the field of psychosocial support, and the possibility of providing them with the benefit that qualifies them to integrate into society, to be individuals. Actors in community development.

Al-Subuh added that choosing Yarmouk University to implement this project in its various stages confirms the confidence of international institutions and organizations in it because of its good reputation and distinguished position at the regional and global levels, and its academic and administrative competencies that qualify it for that.

For her part, Dr. Christine of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) - Director of the Psychosocial Support and Trauma Program in Jordan - stressed the importance of holding the project in its third phase at Yarmouk University and her happiness with the partnership between Yarmouk and the German Agency and the extent of cooperation between the two institutions, which greatly contributed to its success. She also presented an overview of the project's experience in its first and second stages, the number of students who participated in it and the opportunities it provided to them in the field of the labor market.

During the first part of the meeting, which was moderated by Dr. Alaa Al-Qudah, Deputy Director - Project Coordinator, the students of the third phase of the project, which numbered sixteen participants, were introduced to all the details related to the training course in terms of the goals to be achieved and the benefit that accrued to them, and the time frame and duration of each of the theoretical training And practical, and learn about the experience of the first and second phases and how the center works in partnership with the lecturers to continuously develop the training material in a way that ensures its compatibility and compatibility with the latest developments in the field of psychosocial support.

During the second part of the meeting, which was attended by the trained professors, a detailed explanation was given about the training course courses and what they include and each course aims for. Dr. Muawiya Khatatbeh and Dr. Ruba Al-Akash spoke about the first course, "Introduction to Psychosocial Support in the Context of Asylum", and each of Dr. Ahmed Sharifin and Dr. Muayad Miqdadi for the second course "Psychosocial support services for individuals, family and society", Dr. Muhammad Alawneh and Professor Tareq Al Nasser for the third course "Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution", and Dr. Anas Al Sobh on the fourth course "Smart techniques used in the application of psychological support services." Social. "

At the end of the meeting, the door was opened for discussion with the participants and answering their inquiries.

The Center of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration studies at Yarmouk University participated in the Mediterranean Universities meeting within the activities of (UNIMED WEEK 2020), which sheds light on international, regional and local tensions and crises largely in the Middle East and North Africa.

As the Syrian crisis and immigration from Africa affected the region’s balance, instability and the global economic crisis, which alerted institutions of the higher education system such as Yarmouk University to work to constantly re-adapt the educational process and form strategies compatible with the current developments and changes in order to design flexible measures capable of adapting to scenarios. Constantly and rapidly changing.

The center’s participation with a group of international institutions was represented in a dialogue session entitled “The Changing Nature of the Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa: The Role of Academic Research and Cooperation in a Post-Corona Pandemic Scenario”, to highlight the role of universities through social, political and institutional work for the benefit of refugees and displaced persons in the Eastern regions. In the Middle and North Africa, enhancing mobility opportunities and working to support refugees, including students and researchers, enhancing opportunities for universities to communicate with companies and civil society institutions, and rethinking new policy instruments at the European Union level.

Dr. Anas Al-Subuh - Director of the Center - spoke about the problem of increasing social responsibility in the university system to meet the new challenges in Jordan, based on the experience of past years and the crisis of the Corona pandemic.

He also presented the most important challenges facing Jordan in the lack of funding from donors towards Jordan in dealing with the refugee crisis, as the percentage of funding reached 19% of the total amounts agreed upon within the 2018-2020 response plan for the Syrian crisis in Jordan, and in light of the spread of the Corona pandemic The burdens on Jordan have increased through its interest in refugees, just as citizens are in receiving the necessary health care, which constitutes a burden on the Jordanian budget.

Al-Sobh added, in his talk about how the European Union-funded RAISD project within the H2020 program contributes to how to reformulate strategies that include vulnerable groups and integrate them into the host community, in order to be able to discover and present strategies of interest and inclusion dedicated to this category.

The Center of Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration studies at Yarmouk University participated in the activities of the meeting, which was held at the invitation of the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Jordan, Dominic Bartsch.

During the meeting, which was attended by the director of the center - Dr. Anas Al-Subuh, opportunities were discussed to enhance the center's contributions with the network of Jordanian society institutions for the success of serving refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, especially during the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Al-Sobh also gave a detailed presentation on the most important achievements of the center and how it contributed to the integration of refugees into the local community.

In conclusion, ways to strengthen the partnership between the Center and the Commission were discussed through cooperation in holding many workshops and seminars related to the topics of asylum, migration and displacement in general, and participation in the international conference that the center will hold during the month of October in particular.