Palestinian refugees sheltered in displacement camps in northern Syria have leveled heavy criticism at UNRWA after they sent a letter urging the agency to take action regarding their abject humanitarian condition.

Responding to the letter, which was sent by the directorate of Palestinians in northern Syria, UNRWA expressed deep concern over the dire situation of vulnerable refugee families in the area. However, it did not suggest any practical measures to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.

UNRWA said that northwest Syria remains inaccessible or hard to reach.

It claimed that following contacts with international humanitarian organizations operating in the area, it has been told that Palestinian refugees are receiving humanitarian aid as part of comprehensive humanitarian operations for vulnerable persons.

UNRWA said it is aware that due to the increasing needs of vulnerable people, this assistance may not be sufficient but the Agency continues to monitor the situation and will explore other options for humanitarian assistance once the area becomes safe.

Head of the refugees directorate in northern Syria said UNRWA claims are counterfeit and that a memorandum will be handed over to the Agency to call it on to assume its duties regarding Palestinian refugees in northern Syria as they are sheltered in an area that falls within UNRWA’s fields of operations.

Palestinian refugees sheltered in displacement camps in northern Syria have been enduring a tragic situation. Most of them have been crammed in poorly-equipped tents and denied their rights to vital services.

For many displaced Palestinian refugees, the perils of poverty add to the torment already experienced throughout the conflict.

According to data by the Commission of Palestinians of Syria for Relief and Development, as many as 1,488 Palestinian families have been sheltered in the northern Syrian regions of Idlib, Efrin, and Aleppo’s suburbs. The largest number of families are taking refuge in Idlib.