Embedded Files
1949
1949
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was created in 1949 in response to the original displacement of Palestinians as a result of the Arab-Israeli War.
The UNRWA defines Palestine refugees as “persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.” The UNRWA also includes children and descendants of the original displacement.
Jaramana Refugee Camp on the edge of Damascus, Syria.
58
58
UNRWA has 58 official Palestine refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Nearly 1/3 of Palestinian refugees live in these camps; the remaining 2/3 live in and around cities and towns of the host countries.
As of 2024, 6 million Palestine Refugees are eligible for UNRWA resources, which include education, health care, and social services.
Unlike the UNHRC (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)—which helps resettle Palestinians—UNRWA does not resettle Palestinians. Its mandate is to assist and protect Palestinians "pending a just and lasting solution to their plight."
Palestinian refugees outside of the UNRWA jurisdiction can apply for assistance with UNHRC.
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