Since fleeing the Syrian conflict in 2014, 39-year-old Palestine refugee Samer lives in a refugee camp in Lebanon. He carefully manages his family’s limited electricity supply, which he pays for through a private generator subscription. With only 4 hours of government electricity a day, the family mostly relies on a private subscription, barely enough to power essential home appliances.
Living without valid documentation
‘Without this subscription, we’d be without light for more than 20 hours a day’, says Samer. ‘Thanks to the cash assistance I receive from UNRWA, I can rent this small space and keep the lights on through the generator.’
Samer currently works at a local bakery. While this provides some support, the income is minimal: about $50 per month. Finding work as a Palestine Refugee from Syria in Lebanon is extremely difficult. In May 2024, the Government of Lebanon halted the renewal of legal residency permits, leaving many without valid documentation and increasing their fear of movement outside the camps where they live.
Samer is a father to 2 boys, Issa (15) and Mahmoud (11), both of whom attend UNRWA schools. Despite the many hardships they face, the boys train in kickboxing and football, holding on to dreams of a brighter future.
Cash assistance helps address urgent needs
With funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid, UNRWA was able to deliver 2 cycles of humanitarian cash assistance in 2025, reaching around 23,000 Palestine Refugees from Syria.
‘This money doesn’t bring comfort’, Samer says quietly, ‘but it gives us a roof and a little food. Without it, we’d be on the street.’
Cash assistance enables Palestine Refugee from Syria families to address urgent needs and avoid harmful coping strategies.
While some families have started thinking about returning to Syria, most feel they lack the necessary support. Many hope to see an improvement in the security situation, living conditions and employment opportunities before they can make such a decision.
The EU and UNRWA remain committed to supporting vulnerable people like Samer’s family, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need and any potential return to Syria is informed, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable.
