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UNRWA Situation Report #6 on the Syria emergency response to displacement from Lebanon. All information from 17 October - 20 October 2024, valid as of 20 October 2024 at 14:00

UNRWA

21 Oct 2024

Key Points

• Around 421,000 people are estimated to have been displaced from Lebanon to Syria.
• As of 20 October, 635 Palestine Refugee families - an estimated 3,000 people, based on average family sizes - who have been displaced from Lebanon had approached UNRWA in Syria. However, it is believed that the actual number of Palestine Refugee families who have crossed the borders is significantly higher, especially in northern and eastern rural Damascus. UNRWA is making continued efforts to liaise with local authorities to assess and respond to the needs of Palestine Refugees living in 17 out of 35 locally established hosting centres across Syria, under the responsibility of the Government of Syria.
• UNRWA has developed a questionnaire, being implemented across all its operation areas, to gather disaggregated data and assess the immediate needs among the new arrivals. As of 20 October, 495 heads of households (1,468 people) had responded to the questionnaire. Out of the interviewees, 46 per cent are male and 54 per cent female, almost 43 per cent of the new arrivals are children, with 1 per cent being people with disabilities. The vast majority of Palestine Refugees displaced from Lebanon are hosted by extended family and friends in overcrowded conditions. This support is temporary.

Overall Situation

• UNHCR reported that Syrian immigration authorities continue to admit displaced people flexibly and that the Government of Syria has extended an exemption until the beginning of November 2024 for returning Syrians, including Palestine Refugees from Syria, requiring them to exchange US$ 100 at the border before entry. However, Lebanese immigration has resumed an Exit Stamping Protocol, which may slow down the processing of displaced people at the border or discourage the use of official border crossings.
• Many Palestine Refugees displaced from Lebanon are relying on friends and extended family for housing and basic needs. Considering that this support system is believed to be only available for a limited time and extent, it is probable that they will revert to UNRWA for support. Many families returning to Aleppo, Damascus and Dera'a have reported that they lost their houses during the earthquake or the conflict in Syria.