Life as Refugee: Muna’s Story

Muna lives with her four children in Burj Shemali refugee camp in Lebanon. They live together in one small room with a kitchen area. Their home has no access to a water tank, heating or basic appliances.

Living in extreme poverty, Muna and her children are facing deteriorating health and severe psychological stress. The family depends on financial aid to survive, but this does not cover the family’s overall needs or monthly burdens. Her youngest child does not attend pre-school, they simply cannot afford the fees. Muna cannot afford medical expenses for her children, and with the economic crisis in Lebanon worsening, the high cost of food has left Muna struggling to know where their next meal will come from. She tell us;

“I am afraid that when Ramadan arrives, I will not be able to afford the food to break our fast.”

More than anything, Muna wants her children to have a better life than hers, and for them to live under a safe roof.

“I’m ashamed to tell you that I wait for Ramadan. This is when people give us charity, for me and my children. I live day by day- I can’t predict if I will have food for tomorrow.  I live in constant anxiety about my daughter, she has asthma and wouldn’t cope if she caught coronavirus. The lockdown hasn’t affected me as I live my life locked away anyway. I am still locked away. We have no breadwinner other than Allah (SWT).”

This Ramadan, let us remember the struggles and bravery of millions of refugees around the world, including Palestinians, fleeing violence and persecution. All refugees and displaced people deserve stability, justice and peace. We hope the stories of Palestinian refugees that we share throughout Ramadan will inspire you to learn more, get involved however you can and advocate for the rights of refugees to live in peace and  security.