Forms and Ways of Restraining and Obstructing Property Rights for Palestinians in Syria
Date: August 2024
This policy paper addresses the growing concerns of Syrian Palestinians regarding the increasing restrictions imposed by the Syrian regime on their right to property ownership and housing. These concerns have been amplified by the law No. 1011 of 2022, which reclassifies Palestinian residents in Syria as foreigners, posing a significant legal threat to their property rights. The decision ignores previous laws that granted Palestinians the same legal status as Syrians and contradicts international laws that protect refugees’ rights, including the right to property ownership.
The paper examines the evolution of Syrian legislation related to Palestinian refugees’ rights since their arrival in the country, focusing on the subsequent laws and regulatory measures that have created barriers to exercising these rights. It highlights the case of Yarmouk Camp as a key example of how Palestinian property rights have been eroded. The paper also discusses the risks posed by the 2020 Yarmouk Camp zoning plan and the role of local opposition efforts in temporarily halting its implementation, while warning that the plan still represents a significant threat if enforced in the future.
Additionally, the paper seeks to draw the attention of the international community and relevant institutions to the dangers of violating Palestinians’ property rights and altering the architectural and demographic identity of their camps, while emphasizing the need to coordinate advocacy efforts to protect their rights in Syria.
