Wavel Refugee Camp, Lebanon
More than 8,806 registered refugees
2 schools, including 1 secondary school
1 health centre
Majority aged between 13-40
- The camp was originally a French army barracks, and the original 12 buildings provided shelter to Palestinian refugees in 1948.
- It lies 90km east of Beirut in Beqaa Valley.
- In 1952, UNRWA assumed responsibility for providing services in the camp.
- Suffered less structural damage than other camps during civil war.
- Water system, sewerage and storm water drainage systems were recently rehabilitated.
- Living conditions are particularly severe; housing is unhealthy as many refugees still live in the original Mandate-era army barracks, which lack daylight and ventilation.
- Conditions are especially harsh in the winter, as the valley is a remote rural area with severe winter weather.
- When combined with poverty, these conditions result in a number of social problems.
- Only able to find seasonal work in agriculture and construction.
- Students often drop out of school in order to support their families.
![The oldest Lutheran Church in Palestine, located in Bethlehem, founded in 1854 [rayinmanila / Flickr]](https://www.interpal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2-50681930892_ee7bcf6313_k-500x333.jpg.webp)
![Palestinian protestors confront Israeli troops in Gaza City, 1987, during the First Intifada [21 Dec 1987, Sharir Efi / Israel Press and Photo Agency (I.P.P.A.) / Dan Hadani collection, National Library of Israel / Wikimedia]](https://www.interpal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Intifada_in_Gaza_Strip_1987_V_Dan_Hadani_Archive-e1731173356988-500x333.jpg.webp)
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