You are here

Home » Palestine refugees learn to cope with disabilities through EU-funded UNRWA programmes

Palestine refugees learn to cope with disabilities through EU-funded UNRWA programmes

12 May 2016

Palestine refugees in Syria continue to face colossal hardship due to protracted conflict and multiple displacements. Among them, Palestine refugees living with disabilities are even more vulnerable. 

In Syria, persons with disabilities are struggling to access the level of care and services they require. The UNRWA relief and social services disability care programme, funded by the European Union (EU), supports about 900 refugees across Syria through 12 Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres.

The European Union has consistently supported resilience-building programmes for Palestine refugees in Syria. Over the last three years, the EU has provided EUR 23.2 million (US$ 31.5 million) to fund the Agency’s activities in Syria, with a portion of the funding focused on support to persons with injuries and disabilities. 

The generous and solid partnership between UNRWA and the EU has played a vital role in bolstering the resilience of Palestine refugees in Syria.

“Despite having an injury in my spinal cord, it's a blessing that I am able to play basketball. My ultimate goal is to get a university degree and have an administrative job," said 20-year-old Samer. A law student at Damascus University, he is also a member of the Jaramana camp disability committee and provides support to other persons with disabilities. He has been paralysed since the age of six when he fell down the stairs. Jaramana community centre, Damascus. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadWassim, a 23-year-old auto-electrician graduate from the UNRWA Damascus Training Centre, is one of the 900 Palestine refugees the Agency has treated through its disability programme. Through the UNRWA health programme, Palestine refugees in Syria suffering from physical disabilities can benefit from prosthetic devices provided with the support of the EU. Jaramana community centre, Damascus, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe disability programme makes a difference for those able to use it. After receiving medical assistance, patients can benefit from follow-up treatment by going to UNRWA-supported community-based organizations, which provide complementary services such as physiotherapy, counseling and home adaptations. Khan Dunoun physiotherapy unit, Damascus. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe programme is adjusted to provide care for Palestine refugees in Syria at all stages in life. Hala is a 6-year-old girl suffering from lower body paralysis caused by congenital meningitis. With the hope of gaining mobility, she needs to undergo three physiotherapy sessions per week for at least six months. Jaramana community centre, Damascus, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadFifty-eight-year-old Abu Abdallah, who attends physiotherapy sessions, is determined to recover as much mobility as possible after having suffered from a stroke seven years ago. Through community-based rehabilitation centres, patients can obtain a diverse range of services, such as occupational or speech therapy and physiotherapy. Khan Dunoun physiotherapy unit, Damascus. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadA greater number of children with disabilities are enrolled in UNRWA schools compared to pre-conflict times. To ensure that these children have access to safe and continuous education, UNRWA established rehabilitation classrooms within the Agency’s safe learning spaces, allowing them to continue with their education at their own pace. Khan Dunoun, Damascus, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

Follow us