UNRWA opens new community centre, relocates Area Office in Dera’a camp

UNRWA inaugurated the newly rehabilitated community based organization (CBO) and the Agency’s Area Office building in Dera’a camp, south Syria.

The community centre and Area Office building were severely damaged in the conflict in 2012. The community centre, repaired and equipped thanks in part to a generous contribution of US$ 112,685 from the Czech Government, will deliver programmes that focus on economic empowerment and addressing the needs of Palestine Refugee women, the disabled and other vulnerable members of the community.  The rehabilitation was completed in December 2022 and will create a safe space for the resumption by UNRWA of relief, social and protection services to 40,000 Palestine Refugees living in the camp and in Dera’a city and its surrounding villages.

In Dera’a camp, UNRWA has focused its efforts on resuming basic services. This year, UNRWA also completed the second phase of the minor shelter repair project funded under the Agency’s Emergency Appeal for 110 Palestine Refugee families.  This brings to 300 the total number of shelters rehabilitated so far for Palestine Refugees in Dera’a camp to improve their quality of life. 

Expressing his sincere thanks to the Czech government for its generous contribution, Amanya Michael-Ebye, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria said: “The Czech Government’s contribution demonstrated its commitment to supporting Palestine Refugees. The inauguration of this community centre and area office reaffirms UNRWA commitment to providing services, protection, and advocacy for the rights and dignity of Palestine Refugees. UNRWA will continue to do everything it can to ensure that Palestine Refugees have access to core education, health and social services. In addition, UNRWA will exert all efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in as timely a manner as possible to relieve the suffering and pain of displaced Palestine Refugees.”

Representing the Ambassador of Czech to Syria at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Tomáš Chlopčík, First-Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation and Commercial Section at the Czech Embassy in Syria said: “This contribution reflects the Czech Government’s commitment to ensuring that UNRWA is supported to deliver its services. UNRWA services remain essential for Palestine Refugees in Syria who are going through protracted displacement and hardship.  UNRWA’s role is indispensable in this regard.”

Underlining the cooperation between the Governorate of Dera’a, UNRWA, and the local community, Mr. Abdul Aziz al-Jahmani, Deputy Governor of Dera’a said: “We in Dera’a Governorate will always support Palestine Refugees and cooperate with UNRWA.  We believe that it is the right of everyone to have the chance to develop and improve their own skills which will help them and their families to succeed in their community.”

The Head of GAPAR Department in Dera’a, Mr. Anas Khalifeh highlighted that the inauguration of the CBO and the Area Office testifies to the cooperation between the government of Syria and UNRWA.  “GAPAR works closely with UNRWA to provide services and to meet the needs of Palestine Refugees living in the camps and gatherings in the Syrian Arab Republic.” Khalifeh said. He also thanked the Syrian Arab Republic for its continued and generous support to Palestine Refugees and to UNRWA.

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Notes to Editors 

• In 2020, UNRWA rehabilitated Tiberias school and last year completed a minor shelter repair project, as well as providing additional classrooms funded by UN HABITAT and rehabilitating a health centre supported by the Government of Japan.