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UNRWA Situation Report #7 on the Syria emergency response to displacement from Lebanon. All information from 21 October - 23 October 2024, valid as of 23 October 2024 at 14:00

UNRWA

24 Oct 2024

Key Points

• An estimated 425,000 people have been displaced from Lebanon to Syria according to UNHCR.
• As of 23 October, 814 displaced Palestine Refugee families (an estimated 4,000 people) had approached UNRWA in Syria. The actual number of Palestine Refugee families who have crossed the borders is believed to be 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 hosting centres across Syria, under the responsibility of the Government of Syria.
• UNRWA has developed a questionnaire, being implemented across all its areas of operation, to gather disaggregated data and assess the immediate needs among the new arrivals. As of 23 October, 654 heads of households (1,964 people) had responded to the questionnaire. Out of the interviewees, over 77 per cent are women and children, with one 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.

UNRWA provides Palestine Refugees displaced from Lebanon with non-food items in Damascus, Syria. © 2024 UNRWA Photo.

Overall Situation

• UNHCR reported that Syrian immigration authorities continue to show flexibility in admitting displaced people, and that the Government of Syria has extended an exemption until the beginning of November 2024 for returning Syrians, including Palestine Refugees from Syria, from rules 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.
• Out of the 1,964 Palestine Refugees displaced from Lebanon who participated in the questionnaire survey by UNRWA, over 55 per cent had previously lived in Syria and had fled the country during the crisis. Almost 93 per cent reported the security situation in Lebanon as the key factor behind their decision to return to Syria. Over 61 per cent returned with all their family members, and almost 80 per cent returned to the area or location that they lived in before they fled Syria. As the vast majority are currently relying on friends and extended family for housing and basic needs, the provision of material support to make their return to Syria sustainable is critical. Many have also requested assistance with repair of their damaged houses in Syria.

UNRWA Response

• UNRWA's current funding situation does not allow the Agency to provide sufficient emergency support to the displaced people arriving from Lebanon. The Syria portion of the Syria, Lebanon and Jordan Emergency Appeal 2024 is only 16 per cent funded as of 30 September, while the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the Lebanon Situation, remains 0 per cent funded.