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EU bolsters the resilience of Palestine refugees in Syria

09 November 2015

UNRWA currently represents a critical lifeline to Palestine refugees in Syria who have been dramatically affected by the conflict. Four years of conflict have left most basic services, infrastructure and livelihoods devastated, profoundly eroding the capacity of Palestine refugees to cope with the crisis. The European Union has consistently invested in resilience-building programmes for civilians inside Syria, providing EUR 23.2 million (US$ 31.5 million) in 2014 and 2015 to fund the Agency’s activities in the country. This generous and continued partnership has played a critical role in bolstering the resilience of Palestine refugees in Syria by enabling UNRWA to sustain and adapt basic services and provide support to the most vulnerable Palestine refugees at their hour of need.

The protracted conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, particularly on the most vulnerable. The EU helps UNRWA provide regular assistance to vulnerable Palestine refugee families who have been profoundly affected by four years of crisis. Haifa School collective shelter, April 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe conflict has shattered the lives of Palestine refugees and their communities in Syria. More than 95 per cent of the 450,000 in the country depend on UNRWA to meet their minimum daily needs. The Agency, among others, supports the most vulnerable, including sole-income-generating women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, and helps them survive with dignity inside Syria. Homs, May 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadCash assistance is the cornerstone of the UNRWA emergency response as it helps Palestine refugees cover basic needs, such as food and rent. The EU donation contributed to the regular UNRWA cash assistance programme, which provided financial aid for over 35,000 particularly vulnerable Palestine refugees in 2015. Damascus, June 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe Palestine refugee population is showing increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases, as well as conditions related to stress and increased mental health needs. Generous support from the EU helped UNRWA stock health clinics with essential pharmaceuticals and provide necessary short- and long-term treatments. Rukn Eddin Health Centre, March 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe resilience of female-headed households must be supported to help them support their families and withstand the challenges of finding work. With EU support, Yusra completed a range of vocational courses at the collective shelter where she lives. She developed small business skills to earn income for her family of six. Damascus, March 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadEU funding contributes to giving Palestine refugee children the opportunity to focus on their education despite insecurity and conflict. Thanks to EU funding, 43,000 children will receive back-to-school kits to help them be better equipped for the 2015/16 school year. Damascus, August 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadTo help children cope with the stress of falling behind in school, UNRWA runs a summer learning programme for more than 8,000 Palestine refugee children. Fifty-two participating schools organized recreational and creative activities and provided support in mathematics, Arabic, English, French, music, sports and art with EU funds. Damascus, August 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadWith EU support, UNRWA is rolling out a new family health programme and has improved access for Palestine refugees to health-care services. A total of 26 health facilities serving up to 450,000 Palestine refugees were provided with medical supplies and medicine, thanks to EU funding. Rukn Edin Health Centre, March 2015. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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