Action Group – Syria
Palestinian activists launched an urgent appeal to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), calling for the resumption of financial aid distributions, suspended since the beginning of the year, and for improvements to the level of health, education, and relief services provided to Palestinian refugees in Syria
Activists pointed out that thousands of Palestinian families are living in dire living conditions due to high prices and the rising cost of living, with no alternatives or other sources of support. This exacerbates the risks of poverty and marginalization and threatens social stability within Palestinian camps and communities.
At the same time, they criticized what they described as an “unjustified decline” in UNRWA’s essential services, stressing that the continued reduction raises concerns about the agency’s seriousness in fulfilling its obligations toward refugees, especially since its mandate is derived from UN General Assembly Resolution 302, which stipulates the provision of education, health, and relief to Palestinian refugees until a just solution is found to their plight.
Activists emphasized that the demand to resume aid disbursements is not merely an urgent humanitarian demand, but rather a fundamental and legitimate right for every Palestinian refugee who has been forcibly displaced and faces daily stifling economic and social challenges. They argued that preserving the dignity of refugees is inseparable from respecting UNRWA’s international obligations.
They concluded their appeal by calling for immediate action by the agency to clarify the reasons for the interruption and develop a clear plan to restore regular aid and services, ensuring that refugees’ needs are met and their human and legal rights are protected.