UNRWA Commissioner‑General ad interim concludes field visit to Syria, reaffirming commitment to Palestine Refugees

Damascus, Syria

The Commissioner-General ad interim of UNRWA, Mr. Christian Saunders, concluded a four-day field visit to Syria, reaffirming the Agency's steadfast commitment to Palestine Refugees and commending UNRWA staff, partners and refugee communities for their resilience, collaboration, and dedication in helping to deliver UNRWA's mandate under challenging circumstances.

During the visit, the Commissioner-General a.i. engaged with UNRWA staff, Palestine Refugee communities, government counterparts and partners, gaining first-hand insight into UNRWA's operations and their impact in Syria.

Engagement with UNRWA Staff

The visit included meetings with the Field Management Team and a townhall with staff, where Mr. Saunders expressed heartfelt appreciation for their commitment and professionalism.

"I want to thank every UNRWA staff member for your perseverance, dedication and commitment," said Mr. Saunders. "You continue to deliver vital services in extremely difficult conditions, and your work makes a tangible difference in the lives of Palestine Refugees every day."

The Commissioner-General a.i. also updated staff on the Agency's financial and operational situation and responded openly to questions, underscoring UNRWA's commitment to transparency and dialogue.

Supporting Youth through Education and Skills Development

At the Damascus Training Centre, the Commissioner-General a.i. visited ongoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, interacting with trainees and instructors. He also met graduates who shared how the programme supported their transition into the labour market.

"TVET is a powerful investment in livelihoods and providing opportunities for economic independence" Mr. Saunders noted. "The world needs to invest more in the power and potential of young people, as they are the foundation of future societies. Palestine Refugee youth have the right to achieve their full potential, and listening to graduates helps us strengthen these programmes to ensure they continue to meet their aspirations."

Engagement with the Women's Advisory Forum and PSEA team

The Commissioner-General a.i. met with members of the Women's Advisory Forum, where discussions focused on the role of women in community leadership, participation and decision-making. Mr. Saunders commended the WAF for its active engagement and advocacy within the Agency, underscoring the critical role of women in promoting protection and trust within their communities.

"The meaningful participation of women is essential to building strong and powerful communities," he said, reaffirming UNRWA's commitment to ensuring that women's perspectives concerns remain central to programme design and community engagement.

He also met with the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) team, highlighting UNRWA's zero-tolerance policy and the importance of accountability, safeguarding and community awareness.

Strengthening Partnerships with the Government of Syria

Mr. Saunders held meetings with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation and partnership:

"The support and cooperation of the Government of Syria remain essential for UNRWA to continue serving Palestine Refugees. We are grateful for the facilitation of our work and for the continued treatment of Palestine Refugees on an equal footing."

Discussions focused on how to strengthen collaboration in support of refugee communities.

Field Visits to Yarmouk and Khan Dunoun Camps

The Commissioner-General a.i. visited Yarmouk Camp, where he was briefed on the camp and ongoing recovery efforts. He visited UNRWA installations, including health and education facilities and the community space. He also visited Palestine Refugee families benefiting from the UNRWA Shelter Repair Project, witnessing first-hand the impact of the intervention to provide safe housing and renewed hope for returnees. He also visited the site of a damaged UNRWA school that will be rehabilitated to alleviate pressure on the existing UNRWA school, responding to the education needs of the growing number of Palestine Refugees returning to Yarmouk.

The Commissioner-General a.i. also met with the General Authority for Palestinian Arab Refugees (GAPAR), its board members, and the Local Development Committee. During the meeting with community representatives, he emphasized the importance of partnership:

"Our work succeeds because we work together," he said. "UNRWA deeply values the cooperation of local communities and partners to ensure the provision of high-quality services and continued support for Palestine Refugee communities."

The Commissioner-General a.i. listened carefully to the concerns of community representatives, discussing the evolving situation in Yarmouk and the needs of refugees returning to the camp. He highlighted the significant operational challenges facing the Agency due to insufficient funding, as well as the difficult operating context. Mr. Saunders reassured community members that he would continue advocating for the Agency and for the rights and needs of Palestine Refugees at all levels.

In Khan Dunoun camp, the Commissioner-General a.i. visited an UNRWA school, where he attended a student choir performance and interacted with students. He was also briefed on the Camp Improvement Plan, met the Camp Improvement Committee, and visited the health centre and the multi-purpose community centre.

"Seeing these improvements and hearing directly from the community underscores why camp improvement is about much more than just infrastructure; it is about providing hope and a better future for Palestine Refugees" Mr. Saunders stated.

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine Refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 War. Amid a failure to find a just and lasting solution to the plight of that generation of Palestine Refugees and subsequent ones, millions continue to be displaced and in need of support, over 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development. It does this through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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