Published : 09-01-2023
Palestinian refugees in Syria continue to struggle for survival in a country that has been dramatically ravaged by a more than a decade-long conflict.
According to the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, 14.6 million Syrians depend on humanitarian assistance, 12 million face acute food insecurity, and nine in 10 now live below the poverty line.
Some 14.6 million people require support – a 1.2 million increase over 2021 – and the number is expected to reach 15.3 million next year.
Syrians and Palestinians alike are facing an ever-deepening humanitarian and economic crisis – inside and outside the country, and in both Government-controlled areas and areas outside Government control, where the situation remains most dire, especially in camps for the displaced.
Electricity and fuel are scarcer than ever, while many people are unable to access clean water and healthcare.
Energy shortages have forced the Government to close state agencies for several days at a time, and the Syrian pound has fallen to new record lows.
Even people who do not need assistance because they receive regular salaries now require support. Needs are rising as resources are dwindling.
Once a vibrant community of over 550,000 people, Palestinians had come to Syria in two main waves in 1948 and 1967 to settle in 12 camps across the country. Yarmouk, the most famous of the Palestine refugee camps, became known as “the capital of Palestine refugees.”
438,000 Palestine refugees remain in the country – 91 per cent of whom live in absolute poverty - and who have been among those worst affected by the conflict. Over 80% of PRS live in extreme poverty and rely on humanitarian assistance as their main source of income. 86% of PRS households are reported to be in debt.
Palestinian refugees in Syria continue to struggle for survival in a country that has been dramatically ravaged by a more than a decade-long conflict.
According to the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, 14.6 million Syrians depend on humanitarian assistance, 12 million face acute food insecurity, and nine in 10 now live below the poverty line.
Some 14.6 million people require support – a 1.2 million increase over 2021 – and the number is expected to reach 15.3 million next year.
Syrians and Palestinians alike are facing an ever-deepening humanitarian and economic crisis – inside and outside the country, and in both Government-controlled areas and areas outside Government control, where the situation remains most dire, especially in camps for the displaced.
Electricity and fuel are scarcer than ever, while many people are unable to access clean water and healthcare.
Energy shortages have forced the Government to close state agencies for several days at a time, and the Syrian pound has fallen to new record lows.
Even people who do not need assistance because they receive regular salaries now require support. Needs are rising as resources are dwindling.
Once a vibrant community of over 550,000 people, Palestinians had come to Syria in two main waves in 1948 and 1967 to settle in 12 camps across the country. Yarmouk, the most famous of the Palestine refugee camps, became known as “the capital of Palestine refugees.”
438,000 Palestine refugees remain in the country – 91 per cent of whom live in absolute poverty - and who have been among those worst affected by the conflict. Over 80% of PRS live in extreme poverty and rely on humanitarian assistance as their main source of income. 86% of PRS households are reported to be in debt.
