Action Group – Lebanon
In response to a letter from Palestinian activists from Syria in Lebanon, the European Union affirmed that it is following with concern the situation of Palestinian refugees from Syria, noting that it is working in coordination with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and relevant partners to explore safe and dignified solutions for these refugees. The EU also expressed its appreciation for the efforts of community actors in supporting refugee issues and highlighting their urgent needs.
The activists had addressed their letter to several international bodies, including the European Union, to express their deep concern about UNRWA’s decision to reduce aid to Palestinian refugees from Syria.
In their statement, the activists explained that the decision to reduce aid comes amidst extremely difficult humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinian refugees from Syria, most of whom rely on cash assistance provided by UNRWA as their primary source of income. They warned that this decision will exacerbate the suffering of families already living below the poverty line.
The statement called on UNRWA to:
* Adhere to its humanitarian mandate and continue providing services without discrimination or politicization.
* The statement called for the inclusion of refugee representatives in decisions affecting their living conditions.
It also urged the international community and donor countries to:
* Ensure the continued support of the agency and enable it to fulfill its obligations towards Palestinian refugees in Syria and host countries.
This development comes as part of the “Action Group for Palestinians of Syria’s” ongoing monitoring of the refugee situation in various host areas, tracking the humanitarian and living challenges they face, and assessing the efforts of international and local organizations to respond to their needs.