UNRWA Syria Regional Crisis Response Progress Report

Full Report

Executive Summary

This mid-year progress report covers the period 1 January through 30 June 2019 and is intended to provide an update on results achieved under the full range of indicators included in the 2019 Emergency Appeal (EA) for the Syria regional crisis.

Overview

During the first half of  2019,  civilians  in  Syria  continued to face dire humanitarian and protection needs as a consequence of the ongoing conflict and violence. While some areas experienced a relative calm following the end of active hostilities in some locations, the overall situation in Syria remained tense and volatile. The increased threats of asymmetric attacks in some locations and the presence of explosive remnants of war (ERWs) scattered throughout the country, among other factors, pose serious protection risks to civilians, while intense hostilities in the North West of the country continue to cause displacement and loss of life.

Palestine refugees remained particularly vulnerable and reliant on UNRWA assistance to meet their basic needs. Existing vulnerabilities are aggravated by protracted and multiple displacements, loss of livelihoods and assets and destruction or damage of shelters, coupled with rising inflation and the depreciation of the Syrian pound to the dollar. Major Palestinian residential areas such as Yarmouk and Ein el Tal remain largely destroyed. A number of Palestine refugee families have returned to Dera’a camp, where services are partially being restored. During the second half of 2019, UNRWA plans to start rehabilitating its schools in Dera’a to support Palestine refugees who are choosing to spontaneously return.