To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to ensure protection and relief to Palestinian refugees affected by the conflict in Syria; and whether her Department has any plans to increase the UK's contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Answered on
24 May 2018
We continue to call on all parties to protect civilians in Syria, including Palestinian refugees, and to allow humanitarian agencies unfettered access to provide aid to those most in need, including at the UN Security Council and the International Syria Support Group. The Secretary of State for International Development and I focused on these messages at the 'Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region Conference' held in Brussels on 24 and 25 April.
DFID supports UNRWA’s Syria Emergency Appeal which provides 418,000 Palestinian Refugees in Syria (PRS) with cash and in-kind food assistance. This includes providing 254,000 internally displaced PRS with blankets, mattresses and hygiene kits in addition to livelihood, education and protection assistance.
UK officials and the Minister for the Middle East work closely with UNRWA, PRS host governments, and partners to maintain the continuity of essential services to Palestinian refugees. The UK will deliver its next round of financial support for UNRWA’s core budget earlier than originally planned, to help meet the growing needs of Palestinian refugees across the region. Officials continue to monitor UNRWA’s evolving financial situation closely.