Geneva – The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) highlighted the complex legal and humanitarian conditions faced by Syrian refugees residing in Egypt, as well as Syrian Palestinians, warning of the consequences of growing administrative restrictions and increasing measures that directly affect their fundamental rights and deepen their legal and living vulnerability. 

This came in an oral statement delivered by Fayiz Abu Eid, Director of the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria, during the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, held under Item 4 as part of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, which runs from 23 February to 31 March 2026. 

Abu Eid explained that Palestinians arriving from Syria in Egypt are facing growing challenges related to their legal and administrative status, including incidents of arbitrary detention during inspection campaigns, as well as legal complications, including the imposition of excessive fines that affect their personal and living stability, in the absence of sufficient safeguards that take into account the fragility of their legal status. 

The statement also addressed other problems faced by Syrian Palestinians when attempting to leave the country, including high financial penalties and complex bureaucratic procedures related to travel documents and “laissez-passer” papers, which place many families under burdens beyond their capacity and restrict their ability to move and seek safety and stability. 

Abu Eid further noted that these burdens have forced some families to make harsh choices affecting their basic needs, including giving up housing or reducing spending on children’s education. 

In the conclusion of his statement, the Palestinian Return Centre called on the Human Rights Council to urge the relevant authorities to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of Syrian Palestinians in Egypt, provide them with the necessary legal and humanitarian protection, address practices that increase their vulnerability, and adopt more facilitative procedures for those wishing to leave the country. 

 Watch the statement: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk06zxMaSqM