deficits. Current levels of UNRWA funds only cover operations until the end of May, according to an Agency statement. The silver-lining of COVID-19 among Palestinian refugees Despite the many challenges faced by Palestinian refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic – including a shortage of funding, neglected camps and living areas, and preexisting health conditions – Palestinian refugees have shown solidarity and a proactive approach to contributing to the health and wellbeing of their communities through grassroots and civil society initiatives. For example, in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees organized a sterilization campaign for refugee camps, together with civil society actors, and adopted preventive measures, such as taking the temperature of individuals entering the camps. Palestinian refugees also mobilized to provide food and protective gear for vulnerable camp residents, such as in Aida camp in the West Bank. Current country-specific facts: Palestinian refugees and COVID-19 In each host state, the following facts can currently be noted in relation to the impact of COVID-19: Jordan ●● As of May 26, there are 711 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jordan, six of which involve Palestinian refugees. ●● The first case in a Palestinian refugee camp was reported on 13 April; it was discovered as a result of 165 random samples taken in Jabal El-Hussein Camp during an UNRWA-led testing campaign. ●● Jabal El-Hussein Camp was completely closed down after the COVID-19 test results came back positive and contacts of the infected were tested for the virus. ●● Several remote educational systems have been implemented through national TV and certain applications were created for devices for all students enrolled in UNRWA schools, after UNRWA was forced to close its schools due to the lockdown. ●● Legal aid providers highlight that the livelihoods of Palestinian refugees have been disproportionally affected by COVID-19: the amendments to the Defense Order No. 6 reverse the conditions of employment termination in favor Jordanian employees, excluding non-Jordanians from the protection granted through e.g. a complaint mechanism after employment termination (see also Article 26 Labor Code).23 ●● The socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has been particularly strong on ex-Gazans and PRS, who are more likely to work as daily labourers and in the informal market.24 For instance, more than 80 per cent of ex-Gazans in Jerash camp work as day labourers; they all lost employment due to the disruption of business and movement restrictions. ●● Hundreds of refugees have reportedly not been able to pay the rent for 3 months, due to decreased or loss of income. However, the Department of Palestinian Affairs recently exempted shop tenants in certain refugee areas from paying rents for March and April.25 ●● Palestinian refugees without citizenship could not apply for many types of permits to leave their house during lockdown and curfew hours, including permits for parental care, work in the agricultural sector, and work in the commercial and industrial sectors (unless they are registered with the social security). 5