Wavel Refugee Camp, Lebanon

Published: March 21, 2016 | The Camps

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.

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