Palestinians in Syria

Palestinians in Syria
Total population
581,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
Damascus, Rif Dimashq, Daraa, Homs, Aleppo, Latakia and Hama governorates
Languages
Arabic
Religion
Majority: Islam
Minority: Christianity

Palestinians in Syria are people of Palestinian origin, most of whom have been residing in Syria after they were expelled and displaced from their homeland in the 1948 Palestinian exodus. Palestinians hold most of the same rights as the Syrian population, barring citizenship rights.[2]

History

The initial influx of Palestinians was substantial (90,000–100,000), and the government, through a series of laws, gradually paved the way for their integration into the Syrian socioeconomic structure while preserving their separate Palestinian identity.[3]

Rights

Palestinians in Syria have the right to own more than one business or commercial enterprise as well as the right to lease properties.[4] These rights extend to trade and commerce. Union membership in Syria is also open to Palestinians. Palestinians are free to travel throughout Syria and have the right to establish residence in Syrian villages and cities.[4]

There is, however, a prominent gap in the home and land ownership laws. Unlike Syrian nationals, Palestinians may not own more than one home or purchase arable land. Also, Palestinian refugees in Syria do not have the right to vote or candidate for the People's Council or presidency.[4]

Due to the civil war in Syria that commenced in 2011, many Palestinians in Syria have been displaced, either within Syria itself or they have fled the country. Their propensity to fleeing includes having been under siege in refugee camps and reports that they are being conscripted into the regime's army. Many have opted to make the dangerous journey to Europe as conditions remain hostile to Palestinians in neighbouring Middle Eastern states.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "منظمة التحرير: مقتل 990 لاجئا فلسطينيا في سوريا (PLO: the killing of 990 Palestinian refugees in Syria)". زمان الوصل (Zaman Al Wasl) (in Arabic). 22 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  2. ↑ "MIDDLE EAST: Palestinian refugee numbers/whereabouts". IRIN. 22 June 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  3. ↑ Palestinians in Syria: The Politics of Integration Laurie Brand, p. 621-637
  4. 1 2 3 "Profiles: Palestinian Refugees in SYRIA". Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  5. ↑ "Forgotten and without a future: Syria's Palestinian refugees". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 22 April 2016.


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