3.9.2015 – The dangers and challenges faced by Syrian refugees escaping the ongoing conflict to Europe are finally gaining greater recognition through harrowing stories and images. This attention is merited and has been reported on here. But Europe is not the only destination for those fleeing the conflict areas and sea rom the only danger.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been assisting refugees and displaced persons across the region and is now addressing a new danger to displaced people within Syria itself. Mr. Christopher Gunness, an official UNRWA spokesman reported today that, “the Syrian authorities has facilitated access for UNRWA to Yalda, adjacent to Yarmouk for the specific purpose of enabling us to respond to the incidence of typhoid and to address other health needs of civilians. It is an absolute priority that we sustain our presence in Yalda so that we can continue to serve and treat Palestine refugees and other civilians in the area.”

UNRWA has been working in the Gaza strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria since 1949. It was formed to assist Palestine refugees after the Arab-Israeli war and has carried since out a range of direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees and other persons in need.

The conflict has limited UNRWA’s access in Syria and Mr. Christopher Gunness observes that, “UNRWA welcomes this access after a long break. We are absolutely committed to the health care tasks at hand and we are determined to work with the Syrian authorities and UN partners to serve as many civilians as possible during our missions to the area. We appeal to all concerned to ensure that humanitarian access to Yarmouk and the adjacent areas is fully and continuously granted.” To learn more about the crisis and UNRWA efforts please visit the links below.

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Related Links:

•   UN News Centre: In Syria, UN agency discovers nine new suspected cases of typhoid near Yarmouk camp
•   UN News Centre: In Syria, UN agency reports jump in typhoid cases among Palestinian refugees from Yarmouk camp
•   UNRIC Brussels: “Let’s not pretend Europe’s response is working”
•   UNRWA Emergency Reports: Yarmouk Situation Update 43
•   UNRWA Website: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
•   UNRWA Syria Crisis Appeal

 

Photo Credits:

•   Cover: UNRWA medical staff examines a baby in Yalda, 3 September, 2015 © UNRWA
•   Second: UNRWA Where We Work Map, 2015 © UNRWA