01 June 2025
AMMAN – From 26 to 29 May 2025, Ms. Natalie Boucly, Deputy Commissioner-General for Programmes and Partnerships (DCG/PP) at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA, visited the Syria Field Office and engaged with refugees, staff, representatives of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ agencies, as well as interim government officials, reaffirming Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s commitment to supporting vulnerable Palestine Refugee communities.
In?, outside Damascus, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s Microfinance Programme, which has been helping Palestine Refugees turn their aspirations into reality. Ms. Boucly met a female refugee beneficiary who, with the support of an Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA microfinance loan, successfully established a small business by opening a market stall and creating a source of livelihood for herself and her family. With determination, she inspires others in her community to pursue their aspirations.
In Sbeineh camp, Ms. Boucly also visited the Sanitation Office, an Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA school, and the Health Centre, where she interacted with both staff and refugees benefiting from essential Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA services. She also visited the Multipurpose Community Centre, where she engaged with vulnerable refugee beneficiaries, including youth with disabilities, and witnessed how services strengthen community ties. A key part of her visit included a briefing on the return process to the camp, highlighting Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s continued efforts to provide sustainable services for returning families.
In?, a camp near Damascus, that is witnessing a remarkable transition from devastation to renewal, Ms. Boucly saw firsthand how life and hope are rising once again thanks to the transformative impact of donors¡¯ contributions, which have enabled the Agency to reopen a school, a health centre, and a community space. As 15,000 displaced Palestine Refugees have returned, with more expected, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s Minor Shelter Repair Project is playing a vital role, helping refugees returning to the camp to rebuild their lives. She visited one of the homes under this project, through which Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA has already helped 80 Palestine Refugee families repair their shelters and continues to provide support for more.
She also interacted with staff at the Area Office, explored the newly established community space, and visited the Yarmouk Health Centre. A particularly meaningful moment was her engagement with the school Parliament, where the student Parliamentarians shared their concerns, achievements, and aspirations.
Ms. Boucly also held official meetings with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA partners, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ agencies, interim government officials, and key stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the latest developments and strengthen collaboration and partnerships for the advancement of the wellbeing of Palestine Refugees. In addition, the DCG/PP had a fruitful meeting with the newly appointed members of the Agency¡¯s Women Advisory Forum (WAF), who shared some concrete ideas to empower women and advance gender equality in Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA.? Ms. Boucly voiced her strong support for the WAF¡¯s mission and reaffirmed her commitment to working hand-in-hand with its members to inspire and support innovation and strengthen their efforts.
Ms. Boucly¡¯s visit reaffirms Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s unwavering dedication to supporting Palestine Refugees in Syria and contributing to the country¡¯s stability and transition through the provision of public-like services at this critical juncture.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA)
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 01/06/2025
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