UNRWA Syria Response to the Influx from Lebanon – UNRWA Situation Report 1 (October 4, 2024) – Syrian Arab Republic

Situation in numbers

• 200 Palestinian refugee families, approximately 1,000 individuals, have reported to UNRWA installations and registered with UNRWA in various locations (Damascus, Central and Southern areas).
• Relatives and friends are currently hosting all 200 families. No one stays in the government-designated shelters.
• UNRWA has only 825 NFI kits that are being moved to influx locations to support emergency response.

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 185,000 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 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 conflict in Syria (as of 2011).
• About 200 families from both categories are reported to have arrived in Palestinian refugee camps in Syria. 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.
• The government has also exempted Syrian returnees (including the PRS) for a week from the application of Cabinet Decision No. 46 of April 2021, which requires the exchange of the equivalent of US$100 at the border before entering the country.

Overview of the UNRWA response

• Palestinian refugees were already among the most impoverished and marginalized due to prolonged displacement, multiple displacement, their uncertain legal status and limited social protection mechanisms in Lebanon, leaving them heavily dependent on UNRWA for their basic needs. 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 the departure from public services
• the majority are unable to meet their basic needs, leading to near-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.
• The Agency’s response is currently integrated into existing programming and all Palestinian refugees have access to services in UNRWA facilities, such as services in health centers and admission to schools. In addition, a flash call has been developed with an initial planning figure of 1,000 families (approximately 5,000) individuals. This Flash Appeal is part of the Agency’s regional call for Lebanon.

Multifunctional cash aid and food security

The transfer values ​​to be used will be in line with the recommendations of the inter-institutional 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. 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.

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. 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 multi-purpose 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. 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. NRWA will provide money for rent to the most vulnerable families, so that they can integrate into Syrian society and prevent the creation of dependency.