UNRWA Syria Response to the Influx from Lebanon – UNRWA Situation Report 2 (October 6, 2024) – Syrian Arab Republic

Situation in numbers

• 300 Palestinian refugee families (approximately 1,500 individuals have reported to UNRWA in various locations (Damascus, Central, Northern and Southern areas).
• Relatives and friends are currently hosting most of these 300 families. UNRWA, through a protection referral to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), provided emergency transport for two PRL families from the southern areas to a shelter in Damascus and a few more cases of PRL families in shelters have become known to UNRWA, especially in the Central areas.
• UNRWA has a stock of just 825 non-food items and 533 hygiene kits, which are being moved to the locations with the higher concentration of new arrivals to support the families who all report needing NFIs.

Financing Requirements

UNRWA Syria has launched a Joint Flash Appeal with UNRWA Lebanon and requires approximately $1.53 million to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees. Find the Flash Appeal here. UNRWA needs $1.53 million to meet the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees fleeing Lebanon in the first three months. To date, UNRWA has leveraged its existing programming, budget and human resources to provide protection and services to the newly arrived and returning Palestinian refugees who approach UNRWA. However, as the number of Palestinian refugees grows and given their dire situation and increased vulnerability, there is an urgent need for additional funding to enable UNRWA to provide adequate assistance and services.

Situation overview

• Since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, approximately 220,000 people are believed to have crossed the border into Syria through both official and unofficial crossings. This population consists of Syrians, Lebanese, Palestinian refugees and third country nationals (TCN). The available data does not provide a breakdown by nationality.
• Two categories of Palestinian refugees are being displaced: Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon (PRL), consisting of those originally registered in Lebanon, and Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS) who fled to Lebanon due to the crisis in Syria.
• About 100 families from both categories are reported to have arrived in Palestinian refugee camps in Syria over the past three days, in addition to the 200 known to UNRWA late last week. In conversations between UNRWA and PRS displaced from Lebanon, they have indicated that they have relatives trying to reach Syria, an indication that this number will continue to rise rapidly. It is estimated that several hundred more have arrived in Syria and more will arrive as the situation in Lebanon worsens. The majority are currently hosted by family and friends.
• The government of Syria maintains an open-door policy at the border, in many cases facilitating entry without stamping the documents, or even for those without documents. They also provide freedom of movement once they arrive in the country. UNRWA is in contact with UNHCR and SARC to stay informed of developments regarding internal and secondary movements, especially via Syria towards Jordan.
• The government has extended the exemption for the application of Cabinet Decision No. 10 for another ten days. 46 of April 2021 requires the exchange of the equivalent of US$100 at the borders before Syrian returnees (including the PRS) enter.
• The number of arrivals through the Jdaidet Yabous border crossing has been low since October 4, when Israeli Defense Forces airstrikes left a crater on the road to the crossing point. Many forcibly displaced people from Lebanon take longer routes to avoid this intersection, while others cross the crater on foot. UNHCR and SARC are providing transport services to the extremely vulnerable new arrivals from the crater caused by the airstrikes (Masnaa area) to the border crossing point on the Syrian side.

Overview of the UNRWA response

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and Palestinian refugees from Syria were already among the most impoverished and marginalized refugees due to long-term displacement, multiple displacement, their insecure legal status and limited social protection mechanisms in Lebanon, which left them heavily dependent on the UNRWA. . Before the escalation in Lebanon, they were already facing a desperate socio-economic situation characterized by very high poverty and unemployment rates, largely caused by systemic discrimination over generations, and the social and economic inequality they faced. They were excluded from various professions regulated by Lebanese syndicates, other forms of formal employment and public services, leaving the majority unable to meet their basic needs, leading to almost total dependence on UNRWA assistance. The PRS returning to Syria from Lebanon return to their long-term displacement, and the PRL exchange one displacement for another, both with reduced capacities to cope.

UNRWA will transport 825 NFI kits and 553 hygiene kits to influx areas before the end of the week for immediate distribution to displaced refugees as part of the immediate frontline response.

The Agency’s response is currently integrated into existing programming and all Palestinian refugees have access to services at various UNRWA installations, such as services in health centers and admission to schools. In addition, a flash call has been launched with a planning figure of 1,000 families (approximately 5,000) individuals. This flash call is part of the Agency’s regional call for Lebanon and of the inter-agency call for Syria launched on 4 October 2024. UNRWA plans to respond to the needs of refugees in several ways listed below. The flash appeal consists of the following components that reflect current needs;

Multifunctional cash aid and food security

The transfer values ​​to be used will be in line with the recommendations of the Inter-agency Cash Working Group and with the sector standards of the NFI cluster.

Shelter and non-food items (NFIs)

The situation of Palestinian refugees displaced by hostilities in Lebanon is extremely dire; many of them arrive with few or no possessions. UNRWA currently has only 825 NFI kits in its warehouse. These kits are moved to the various local offices to assist with emergency response.

Emergency health

UNRWA will continue to provide all healthcare services to the newly arrived PRS and PRL from Lebanon, which will increase overall costs. Several newly arrived Palestinian refugees with disabilities have approached UNRWA health clinics requesting resources and UNRWA is urgently working to support them. MHPSS will also be offered at UNRWA Health clinics and municipal shelters.

Education in emergencies

PRS and PRL children are registered in UNRWA schools and MHPSS services are provided to ensure continued learning, reduce educational loss and address psychological trauma. Many newly arrived children lack documentation, including proof of their educational attainment in Lebanon. UNRWA’s education team is investigating whether procedures can be adapted to ensure that children can be quickly integrated into schools.

Protection and social services

Registration services and secure referrals are provided. By monitoring protection, UNRWA can quickly address protection issues that arise. Case management and social work interventions will focus on high-risk cases and legal aid, especially to address civil documentation issues. Access to documentation, including IDs, family declarations and education certificates is among the urgent needs underlined by Palestinian refugees arriving at UNRWA offices. Awareness on protection against sexual exploitation and abuse and gender-based violence will be raised among beneficiaries and staff in government shelters and through UNRWA community centres. The Agency will also provide funding for protection, while persons with disabilities will be provided with assistive devices.

Assistance with transitional care

While the majority of Palestinian refugees arriving from Lebanon are currently being hosted by extended family and other members of the host community, others report needing emergency shelter. UNRWA has referred at least two PRL families to government-run shelters. Many PRS houses were completely destroyed and made uninhabitable. They and the PRL will place a heavy burden on family members and friends who are currently housing them. UNRWA will provide money for rent to the most vulnerable families, so that they can integrate into Syrian society and prevent the creation of dependency.