UNRWA launches emergency appeal to help Palestinian refugees in Syria

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, has appealed to donors for US$ 414 million to meet the critical humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees affected by the conflict in Syria, which is now entering its sixth year.

The agency’s 2016 Emergency Appeal for the Syria Regional Crisis aims to support 450,000 Palestine refugees inside Syria, as well as the 60,000 who have fled to Lebanon and Jordan. WAM, Emirates News Agency reported.

"In the midst of the broader Syrian tragedy, and with just two days to go before the London donors’ conference, it is critical that the plight of the Palestine refugee community is not underestimated or forgotten," urged UNRWA Commissioner-General, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Reliefweb said.

Palestine refugees have been dramatically affected by the crisis due to their proximity to conflict areas inside Syria, high rates of poverty and the tenuous legal status of those forced to flee to Lebanon and Jordan.