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UNRWA and Palestine refugees in Syria: Facts and figures

24 October 2016

Looking at the impact of the conflict in Syria on Palestine refugees in the third quarter of 2016, statistics are a bleak illustration of the severe consequences of five years of brutal conflict on this community.

Over 40 per cent of the camps that have traditionally been home to Palestine refugee communities over the last 65 years in Syria have been engulfed by conflict. Out of the 12 Palestine refugee camps throughout the country, five are either destroyed or inaccessible to the Agency, including Ein el Tal, Dera’a camp, Yarmouk, Sbeineh and Khan Eshieh.

Palestine refugees not only lost their homes and livelihoods, but over 60 per cent of the community has experienced prolonged internal displacement, relocating several times over the years. UNRWA currently runs 10 collective shelters for 2,530 of the most vulnerable Palestine refugees. The proximity of camps and gatherings to conflict areas has resulted in high rates of poverty among the Palestinian community, forcing 95 per cent of the Palestine refugees in Syria to wholly rely on UNRWA emergency cash and food programmes to survive.

In 2016, UNRWA launched the Syria Emergency Appeal asking for US$ 414 million to be able to continue providing basic needs to the 450,000 Palestine refugees remaining in the country. Entering the last quarter of the year, the Appeal is only 50 per cent funded, which puts at risk the Agency’s ability to deliver critical and life-saving assistance on the ground. As the end of 2016 approaches, UNRWA urges its donors to continue and increase their support to help mitigate the worst humanitarian impacts of the conflict, enhance the protection of civilians and prevent further suffering.

Did you know that UNRWA is the largest provider of humanitarian assistance for 430,000 of 450,000 Palestine refugees remaining in Syria? Alliance distribution centre, Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDid you know that UNRWA has around 4,000 staff members and 219 facilities serving Palestine refugees across Syria? The Agency has retained its responsive and innovative capacities while addressing the needs of Palestinians as the war continues for the sixth year. Syria Field Office, Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDid you know that UNRWA needs US$ 414 million to support Palestine refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in 2016? With three months left until the end of the year, the Syria Emergency Appeal has been only 50 per cent funded. Alliance Health Centre, Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDid you know that the unemployment rate in Syria stands at 57 per cent? Palestine refugees have no choice but to rely on the Agency’s food and cash distributions to cover their basic humanitarian needs. Rif Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDid you know that since the beginning of the war, 60 per cent of UNRWA installations have been damaged or rendered inaccessible, with 57 schools partially or completely destroyed? Rafah Alternative Girl School, Husseiniyeh, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Salwa MoussaDid you know that close to 45,000 students are enrolled in 101 UNRWA and UNRWA-managed schools throughout Syria for the 2016/17 school year? Nahaf School, Jaramana Camp, Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDid you know that UNRWA provides more than 60,000 consultations per month across Syria? Despite the challenges on the ground, the Agency currently operates 15 health centres and 11 health points. Alliance Health Centre, Damascus, Syria © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammedDid you know that 2,530 Palestine refugees are still residing in 10 UNRWA collective shelters? Two UNRWA collective shelters have been closed in the last four months and residents have been able to return home or move in with friends and families. Khan Dunoun Camp, Syria © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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