The Potential of UNRWA-Data for Research on Palestinian Refugees

This study evaluates the potential of UNRWA administrative data for social science research on Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA data cover the original “refugee family files”, current refugee registration records, relief and social services, health and education for registered refugees in the five geographical UNRWA “Fields” of operations (Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon). The research potential of UNRWA’s data is found to be very promising even though data were not originally collected for research purposes.