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Preparing for a return to Husseinieh

26 March 2015

In four years of conflict, the Husseinieh area in Syria has endured intense armed conflict. As Palestine refugees in Syria enter the fifth year of conflict, UNRWA has been granted unprecedented access to the area. Walking through empty streets which had been home to 40,000 Palestine refugees, UNRWA staff were the first humanitarian personnel to enter Husseinieh since the summer of 2013. This was an important first step for the Agency to assess reconstruction needs and bring life back to the area.

Husseinieh was vacated by its residents when fighting intensified. Today, the scale of destruction is significant.  Large-scale reconstruction efforts are needed to restore electricity, water and sanitation networks, while nine UNRWA installations will require major repair. Many civilian homes are damaged.

The process of rebuilding Husseinieh will require substantial funding. UNRWA will engage with humanitarian partners in Syria to ensure the needs of returning Palestine refugees are met.

Husseinieh was formerly home to 40,000 Palestine refugees. They fled the area during active conflict in 2013. Over 280,000 Palestine refugees have been displaced within Syria since the start of the conflict in 2011. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadIn February 2015, UNRWA re-entered Husseinieh for the first time in 18 months. Personnel assessed damage to the nine UNRWA installations in the area. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadWater, electricity and sanitation infrastructure in Husseinieh is widely damaged. Major reconstruction work is required. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad The four UNRWA schools in Husseinieh will need significant rehabilitation. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad UNRWA operated 141 schools in Syria prior to the crisis. Now, only 42 are currently operational due to damage, inaccessibility or repurpose as collective shelters. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe aftermath of conflict can be seen throughout Husseinieh. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe UNRWA Health Centre in Husseinieh was looted, its stock of drugs and medicine stolen. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadOnly 12 of 23 UNRWA primary health centres in Syria are still operational. UNRWA established 12 additional health points to accommodate the displaced population, including the residents of Husseinieh. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadGaining access to Husseinieh is an important first step in assessing damage and facilitating the return of residents to their homes. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadHusseinieh is filled with reminders of its formerly thriving community. UNRWA will engage with humanitarian partners in Syria to ensure the requirements of returning Palestine refugees are met. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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