9 June 2011
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, is deeply distressed that Palestine refugees in Syria have lost their lives and been injured in recent events, including in Yarmouk, which is home to a third of the Palestine refugee community in Syria. UNRWA extends condolences to the families of all victims and strongly appeals for calm and restraint on all sides.
UNRWA calls on all concerned to preserve the sanctity of human life as required by international law, to protect the safety and dignity of all, and to ensure that any further loss of civilian lives is avoided.
These and other recent, tragic events are a reminder that Palestine refugees remain vulnerable and exposed to risks throughout the region. As the Commissioner-General has reiterated many times recently, they also highlight the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to achieve for the refugees a just and lasting solution based on UN resolutions and international law.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Christopher Gunness, UNRWA Spokesperson, Mobile: +972 (0)54 240 2659, Office: +972 (0)2 589 0267, c.gunness@unrwa.org
Sami Mshasha, UNRWA Arabic Spokesperson, Mobile: +972 (0)54 216 8295, Office: +972 (0)2 589 0724, s.mshasha@unrwa.org