From 26 to 29 May 2025, Ms. Natalie Boucly, Deputy Commissioner-General for Programmes and Partnerships (DCG/PP) at UNRWA, visited the Syria Field Office and engaged with refugees, staff, representatives of UN agencies, as well as interim government officials, reaffirming UNRWA's commitment to supporting vulnerable Palestine Refugee communities.
In Sbeineh Camp , outside Damascus, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of UNRWA'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 UNRWA 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 UNRWA school, and the Health Centre, where she interacted with both staff and refugees benefiting from essential UNRWA 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 UNRWA's continued efforts to provide sustainable services for returning families.
UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General, Natalie Boucly, talking to a Palestine Refugee woman during a visit of the UNRWA health centre in Sbeineh camp, Rif Damascus, Syria. © 2025 UNRWA photo by Taghreed Mohammad
In Yarmouk , 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, UNRWA'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 UNRWA has already helped 80 Palestine Refugee families repair their shelters and continues to provide support for more.
UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General, Natalie Boucly, walks amidst the rubble during her visit to Yarmouk camp, Damascus, Syria. ©2025 UNRWA photo by Taghreed Mohammad
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.
UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General, Natalie Boucly, talks with a Palestine Refugee beneficiary of the UNRWA minor shelter repair project in Yarmouk camp, Damascus, Syria. ©2025 UNRWA photo by Taghreed Mohammad
Ms. Boucly also held official meetings with UNRWA partners, UN 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 UNRWA. 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 UNRWA'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.
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UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
