Palestine Refugees in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan are among the most vulnerable communities in the region, with conflicts, displacement,s and economic crises entrenching their hardship. UNRWA has responded by providing cash and food assistance to those most in need since the Syria crisis started in 2011.
On 8 December, as this Appeal was nearing publication, the government of Bashar al-Assad fell, thousands of political detainees were released and new caretaker authorities assumed control. Tens of thousands of the 5.6 million refugees in countries bordering Syria, including Palestinians, started to return to their homes, crossing back into Syria from Lebanon and Jordan, and also from the northern province of Idlib, where many internally displaced Syrians had lived. The caretaker authorities will have to consolidate governance and rebuild essential health, education, and water systems, against substantial challenges to regional stability, continued military activities inside Syria, and a crippling economic crisis.
To respond to the increasing needs of Palestine Refugees in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, UNRWA is launching an emergency appeal of US $ 464 million to provide critical assistance, including cash, health and education services, and protection interventions.
The Agency will also target Palestine refugees for rapid transitional shelter support, and provide explosive ordinance risk education, legal aid, and other support for those lacking official documentation. In addition, UNRWA will prioritize psychosocial support, invest in better food security and emergency preparedness, and rehabilitate installations and homes damaged by conflict.
“With the recent massive political changes in Syria, this is a time to reassure Palestine Refugees who were displaced both internally and to Lebanon and Jordan that UNRWA is there for them as strongly as ever. From urgent cash and food assistance to health and education services, UNRWA’s critical stabilizing role must continue after years of conflict that dramatically affected the people in Syria, including Palestine Refugees. The interventions under this appeal will be vital to continue to meet essential humanitarian needs, including protection, ensuring that 600,000 Palestine Refugees in these three countries can live a dignified life” Deputy Commissioner-General for Programmes and Partnerships Natalie Boucly said.
