Jafra is a Foundation for Relief and Youth Development that is working to ease the human suffering in cases of emergency,

crises and disastrous situations, as well as to improve the living conditions prevailing in the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, by involving young people in the development process.

OBJECTIVES
The foundation aims to: 1. alleviate the human suffering in crises and disastrous situations by providing the necessary materials and services to Palestinians and Syrians that live in the Palestinian camps in Syria, 2. empower the refugee community through developmental projects that aim to raise the human, social and economic capacities in the society, 3. empower young people to attain their rightful place in the society and to be able to seize all opportunities for their development, as well as participate fully in their community,

ACTIVITIES
1. Provision of relief and shelter to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) that seek refuge in the Palestinian Camps and gatherings in Syria due to the ongoing conflict 2. Distribution of food and other necessities to families in need, either displaced or residing in areas where movement is prohibited due to the armed conflict 3. Psycho-Social support and Education programs for children affected by the conflict 4. Cleaning Campaigns 5. Emergency activities 6. Training courses 7. Dissemination of information relating to urgent issues

WHERE WE OPERATE
DAMASCUS: Yarmouk Camp, Hajar Alaswad, Sbeineh Camp, Jaramana Camp, Hoseinieh, Barzeh, Tadamon, Mezzeh, Qudsaya, Khan Eshieh Camp HOMS: Homs Camp

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

PREVAILING SITUATION
After the beginning of the Syrian conflict, the Palestinians, in most of the cities, found themselves in the middle due to social and geographical relations and bonds among them and the Syrians. The Palestinian camps became a shelter for Syrian, wounded people and Internally Displaced People due to the Palestinian long tradition in civil society organisations and the strong community bonds. In addition to that, one should notice that the location of the camps and gatherings is at the most low socioeconomic areas of Syria. As the uprising begun in these areas, it was fated to touch the Palestinian society, as population from the affected areas was seeking shelter inside the camps. For a long period, the camps were considered a safe haven as Palestinians stayed on the sidelines. Yarmouk Camp, since July 2012, when the conflict intensified, has received and provided shelter to more than 50.000 displaced people, most of them Syrian. Local associations, with limited resources, have come together to offer relief and comfort to these people. This was up to some months ago when Palestinian camps became a conflict target for several reasons. In specific, since December 2012, the situation has become tragic leading more than half of the population to evacuate Yarmouk Camp, the capital of the Palestinian diaspora in Syria. The humanitarian situation became worse as all hospitals (due to absence of medical supplies and staff) and all shops suspended their operation. Yarmouk Camp is not the only camp under these conditions. More camps are experiencing the exact same conditions and the rest are under heavy constraints as they host thousands of IDPs in mass gatherings, schools and local houses. The infrastructure in the camps has been damaged significantly, electricity outages are exceeding the 20 hours in a row, diesel and gas are out, food shortages are more than evident and, in specific, bread is scarce, all kind of supplies are in serious deficit, telecommunications and internet services are mostly out, prices are higher than ever and unemployment cannot be measured anymore, taking also into account all businesses that have closed due to the risks while being open/operating. Hospitals in the most affected camps are also suffering as they are facing shortage of medical staff, medicine and oxygen necessary for surgical operations. In Yarmouk Camp there is complete absence of doctors to treat wounded and perform surgical operations. Until June 2013, almost 1.500 Palestinians have been killed in Syria, beside thousands being wounded. More than 60.000 Palestinians have been forced to leave Syria, and the number is estimated to be higher. According to official estimations (UNRWA), almost half of the Palestinian population in Syria has been displaced inside the country. In Yarmouk camp, there are still residing more than 12.000 families under extremely harsh circumstances, full blockade, daily shelling and continuous violent clashes. Palestinian refugees from all camps in Syria, hundreds of thousands of civilians, are facing tremendous challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the country. Tens of thousands have been displaced and living in mass gatherings such as schools, basements, mosques and other public places under very difficult circumstances. Thousands are still inside the camps experiencing harsh conditions under blockade and daily violence.

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

JAFRAS ACTIVITIES PRESENTATION

Provision of relief and shelter to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) that seek refuge in the Palestinian Camps and gatherings in Syria due to the ongoing conflict From August 2012 until February 2013, Jafra was running one IDP shelter in Yarmouk camp, which accommodated around 900 people that fled the neighboring southern areas of Damascus due to the escalation of violence. In addition, the Foundation was also responsible for two more shelters in Yarmouk Camp. Lodging, food and medicine as well as basic needs materials, such as blankets, clothing and cleaning supplies were provided to all resident families. Furthermore, education and psychological support for the children was a priority and Jafra organized daily related activities. The specific IDP shelter in Yarmouk Camp was forced to terminate its operation due to the further and severe escalation of hostilities and violence in the camp, making it a non-safe area. Jafra started working, in cooperation with other local NGOs, in the running of IDP shelters in Damascus region, where population of the affected areas, including Yarmouk Camp and other Palestinian camps, fled to escape violence.

Distribution of food and other necessities to families in need, either displaced or residing in areas where movement is prohibited due to the armed conflict Tens of thousands of Palestinians struggle every day to meet their basic nutritional needs. Access to food supplies has been become extremely difficult, and in cases impossible, in areas where conflict is severe. In IDP shelters and for displaced Palestinian population securing food is more than challenging due to fact that the major part of the population has become unemployed and soaring food and fuel prices across the country have also exacerbated the situation. Personal hygiene has been seriously affected. Some of the displaced people, following more than 25 days without cleaning and washing, are forced to visit local residents houses in order to use their facilities. As for the medical services, there is not enough to say to describe the situation except that they are completely absent, except painkillers. In addition, we have to note that there is a large number of patients with Thalassemia, cancer and other chronic conditions that are unable to find the medication to control them. Fear of epidemics and contagious diseases is also very high as cases are not treated properly and people live in non-hygiene places.
Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

In the schools that the local associations are running as shelters, the conditions are even worse. Each room hosts 35-40 people, has little bedding essentials and one small cover per person is provided. Medical services do not exist. As for the houses in the camps that host displaced population, we can only say that both are living and sharing miserable conditions. Jafra Foundation is providing food baskets to thousands of families, as well as other necessities such as blankets and mattresses and food for cooking and breakfast to shelters of IDPs in different regions: 7.000 food baskets have been distributed to the most affected families within the camps and gatherings, which have no means to cover their basic nutritional needs. In order for the distribution to be as effective as possible, maintaining the safety of the beneficiaries, many distribution points were set up in cooperation/consultation with other NGOs and associations in each area. 10.000 children milk cans have been also distributed to families in need 2.000 cooking and food supplies packages were given to shelters and centers all over Damascus 2.700 blankets and mattresses to protect displaced population during winter time and to provide bedding have been also provided

Psycho-Social support and Education programs for children affected by the conflict Great attention is given to the psychosocial support of children that have experienced the catastrophic aspects of war. Since one year, Jafra has been organizing several recreational and educational activities on a frequent basis, as well as during special occasions and celebrations. Facing also the loss of the school year, Jafra has developed activities to support children that are unable to register in schools. Since February 2013, Jafra is running six (6) Child Friendly Spaces were 520 children are receiving psychosocial l support and has been providing education to 1.500 children.

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

Cleaning Campaigns Armed conflicts have disastrous consequences for the environment: destruction of infrastructure, pollution of water supplies, poisoning of soils and fields, halting of standard waste collection and disposal. In order to preserve the environment, it is essential to prevent the emergence of a vicious circle linking armed conflict, environmental damage and poverty. Yarmouk Camp is experiencing the above mentioned effects as all waste collection, disposal in appropriate places and discard , previously operated by the municipality, has stopped, or it is difficult to fully operate due to the prevailing situation (violence, clashes, and inability to move freely and at all times). Municipal collection services are altogether absent. Slow burning and uncontrolled dumping of municipal solid wastes with frequent intermingling of hospital and other hazardous wastes on the streets, open spaces, playgrounds, and vacant lots are the common methods practiced for solid waste disposal resulting in serious land and air pollution problems. Places used now for dumping garbage are located between residential areas and near schools and playgrounds and, as there is no solution for at least 9 months, the accumulated garbage is degrading both the quality of the environment and the quality of life in the camp. It provides a breeding ground for disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, flies and rats. Jafra has put together a team of volunteers accompanied with drivers of trucks and have rented and maintained a number of required cleaning machines and has taken the full responsibility of cleaning Yarmouk Camp. Apart from the cleaning of the accumulated garbage, Jafras team is

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

cleaning the camp from the debris that is blocking the streets as a results of the continuous shelling and the ongoing clashes carrying on maintenance works for the electricity network carrying on other maintenance work that is required for the safety of the population developing and running awareness raising campaigns relating to waste management and hygiene doing vent control

Emergency activities Jafra has a team of medics and evacuation volunteers in cases of emergency, such as clashes, bombing, shelling, fire. The foundation is participating in the aftermath of such situations and conditions in cooperation with other relief and medical organizations, by evacuating people from destroyed residential buildings and any other emergency situation that is emerging. According to the area of each camp that Jafra is operating (and the geographical mapping), the camps are divided into districts. For every district, a team, with an experienced team leader, has been allocated. Every team consists of one medic, two evacuations responsible and one firefighter. Every team is equipped with first aid kits, extinguishers, tool kits with emergency lights and safety equipment for all the team members (boots, safety jacket and safety gloves). Central Units are also equipped with central generator for all units and 1 main car for transportation in case of heavy accidents.

Training courses A number of training courses on voluntarism, civil defense, emergency management, Sphere guidelines, psycho-Social support and social media have been organised, as Jafra has as a priority the building of the

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

capacity of its volunteers in order to deal with the serious tasks and responsibilities of the prevailing situation in Syria. Trainings are organized in cooperation with International organisations, both in Syria, Lebanon and other countries and they are prerequisite for volunteers in order to acquire greater role in the Foundation and be responsible when dealing with affected population. Until now, Jafra has organized and participated in more than 30 training courses.

Dissemination of information relating to urgent issues JAFRA, through its site http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation?fref=ts, disseminates important information relating to the dealing of the prevailing situation that the ongoing conflict has caused. This information consists of ways to deal with bombing and shelling, fire, electricity and communication outages, as well as provides advices for the betterment of the already difficult living conditions, such as waste management, etc.

Organisational capacity
Jafra is giving high importance to the capacity building of its management team, as well as of all volunteers in all programs. As stated beforehand, many training courses are being developed and its members participate actively in training sessions that International organisations are holding. Following the conclusion of the trainings, Jafra members act as multipliers for the rest of the members that didnt attend the courses. They transfer all acquired knowledge and put immediately into practice what they learned. This strategy accelerates the process of learning and capacity building. In June 2013, a fully operational Branch of Jafra has opened in Homs Camp. The branch is developing programs for the psychosocial support of children and runs educational projects. More than 30 members are involved up to now and within the next month the branch will expand its programs. Up to July 2013, Jafra Foundation has more than 200 active members and volunteers in all sections/programs.

Grantors (Institutions/Associations)
Norwegian People's Aid Medico International WAR Child Farmaceuticos Mundi Save the Children
Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

Jafra volunteers (Humanity is not a Crime)

KHALED BAKRAWEE, detainee On the night of 19 January 2013, all communication with one of the leading and founding members of Jafra Foundation has been lost. Khaled, since that day, is being detained by the Syrian authorities. Khaled Bakrawee, who provided aid and relief to displaced families and families living under blockade conditions in Yarmouk Camp and other Palestinian camps in Syria, irrespective of the great risks and difficulties, Khaled, who is actively involved in civil life and volunteering since an early age, Khaled, who represents the Palestinian refugees in many international conferences and associations in Syria and abroad, Khaled an active and passionate trainer, has been detained for his humanitarian work and his dedication to relief affected people from the awful consequences of the ongoing armed conflict. Maher Al jageh, detainee Maher, one of the most dedicated volunteers of Jafra Foundation, was assisting at the IDP shelter that Jafra is running, offering help and services to hundreds of displaced Syrians that escaped violence from the neighboring areas of Yarmouk Camp. He was so much committed that he was refusing to return to his home for resting, even for a while. On the contrary, he was insisting on staying whole days on a row. I dont mind tiredness; I wish to stay here to help as much as possible. It is the first time that I feel my life has a meaning, that I do something useful he used to say. The morning of 22 September 2012, Syrian authorities entered Jafras IDP shelter and detained, among numerous displaced people, Maher for his humanitarian commitment. Since then, 11 months now, Maher has been detained. Amjad Hammed, wounded Amjad Hammed was responsible for food distribution at the IDP shelter of Jafra in Yarmouk Camp. The afternoon of 09 September 2012, while on duty, shelling in the camp hit areas very close to the shelter. Fragments of shells fell inside the shelter injuring seriously Amjad. With the help of other volunteers, Amjad was rushed to a nearby hospital where, thankfully, he recovered from his wounds and return to the family of Jafra quickly. Osman Hussain, Martyr The grave escalation of violence in Yarmouk Camp was met with more dedication from Jafra volunteers. Volunteers that risked and continue to risk, on daily basis, their lives so as to help and save people that are under danger. Osman Hussain was one of them. On the 21st of December 2012, he lost his life while trying to move one seriously wounded to a safer area where medical treatment could be given to him. A sniper took his life.

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PALESTINIANS IN SYRIA

Palestinian Refugees in Syria are distributed into 13 separate camps and 20 Palestinian residential compounds. Official numbers and statistics of Palestinian refugees in Syria issued by UNRWA and the General Commission for Palestinian Arab Refugees (GCPAR) are considered as a representative of their minimum numbers. The most recent statistics released by UNRWA early in 2012, showed that Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA totaled at 530.093 refugees. This number is, as mentioned, the minimum due to the nonrepresentation of refugees fleeing to Syria during 1956, 1967, 1970-1971. Palestinians are present in Syria since 1948. While Palestinian refugees enjoyed many of the rights of Syrian citizens, including access to social services, development indicators reveal that they lag behind the host population in key areas, such as a higher infant mortality rate and lower school enrolment figures. Palestinian refugees in Syria, like all Palestinian refugees, remain a vulnerable population and live in uncertainty with regard to their long-term future. Many of the water and sewerage systems need upgrading, while some camps still lack networks altogether. Poor sanitation in the camps poses health risks for the refugees. In most of the refugee camps shelters remain very basic, and many require structural rehabilitation. Official numbers for the Palestinian presence in refugee camps is as following:
FIELD AREA CENTER No. of persons
8.896 750 15.869 8.029 8.103 1.323 1.700 44.670 10 16.896 7.657 7.141 30.561 19.292 15.842 11.090 22.053 11.737 7.833 4.094 5.417 25.787 31.590 1.384 1.582 24.555 10.423 163.003 417.947 1.629 8.508 6.211 20.569 36.917 2 11 5.984 5.516 13.639 3.767 1.640 30.559 530.093

No. of families
2.167 227 3.938 2.107 2.119 345 492 11.395 1 4.816 1.859 1.732 6.877 4.909 4.245 2.674 5.015 3.519 2.068 951 1.291 5.801 8.422 308 353 5.604 3.154 40.302 103.901 394 2.198 1.418 4.925 8.935 1 1 1.429 1.270 2.984 931 343 6.959 131.190

Hama Camp Hama Town Homs Camp Homs Town Central Lattakia Camp UNOFF Lattakia mobile Lattakia Town Total Added by estarta Alliance Duma Dummar Husseinieh Jaramana Em Camp Jobar Khan Dannoun Camp Khan Eshieh Camp Mazzeh DAMASCUS Midan Mleiha Qaboun Qabresit Em Camp Qeimar Ramadan Sasa Sbeineh Em Camp Tikyeh Yarmouk Total Aleppo mobile North Aleppo Town NORTH Ein Tal Ext Neirab Camp Total Added by estarta Dera1 Added by estarta Dera2 Dera Camp Dera Em Camp SOUTH Dera Villages Dear Displaced (Dera Town) Jillin Total

SYRIA

TOTAL

Syria Damascus, Yarmouk Camp Yarmouk street jafrafoundation@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/Jafra.Foundation