Attachments
This thematic report outlines the situation of the Palestinian Refugee within official and unofficial camps and settlements in Syria. The Syria Needs Analysis Project welcomes all information that could complement this report. For additional information, comments or questions please email SNAP@ACAPS.org
Overview
Palestinians have been no less affected by the conflict than Syrians, with more than 50% of Palestinians in Syria displaced and almost the entire population of 540,000 people in need of assistance. Yarmouk camp in central Damascus, once the commercial and political heart of the Palestinian community, has come to symbolise the destruction of the community by the conflict. The camp population has reduced from 150,000 to an estimated 18,000 people who continue to live under heavy siege by the Syrian Armed Forces (SAF) and various armed groups. According to Amnesty International, 128 people have died from starvation and the lack of medical assistance and basic commodities. Palestinians are also caught up in contested areas of Aleppo, Dar’a and Rural Damascus where camps and settlements have been heavily damaged causing high displacement.
The vulnerability of Palestinians from Syria is exacerbated due to major obstacles they face in fleeing to Egypt and Jordan, and increasing restrictions the experience trying to enter Lebanon, and thus remain trapped within the country facing dire conditions unless they possess the financial resources to flee further afield to European or Southeast Asian countries. Over 70,000 Palestinians have managed to enter Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon yet continue to face serious protection issues, including harassment, arrest, detention, a lack of legal status and refoulement. Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS) who reach Southeast Asia face long waits to access registration and assistance through UNHCR and lack local support networks.