Iqbal al-Assad – From Discrimination to First Class

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon face extreme social discrimination. They are banned from owning property and from working in over 70 professions. This means that despite their education, they are forced to work in menial jobs, with the majority suffering from extreme poverty.

Iqbal al-Assad is a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon who grew up facing these exact problems. Nevertheless, she graduated from secondary school at the age of 12 and thanks to her ability, resilience and determination, went on to become the youngest ever Arab doctor in the world.

Although she can’t practise as a doctor in the Lebanese public sector, she can treat patients in refugee camps. She hopes to one day help fellow refugees in Palestine.

Source: Middle East Monitor | Images: The National