Current Issues in Refugee Education

Map of Lebanon's Refugee Camps

It’s important to note that the “Lebanese government have steadfastly refused to sign off on the creation of formal refugee camps” (Al Jazeera). Therefore, the ones that refugees are living in currently are merely communities that have been made out of Lebanon’s older refugee camps from the 1980s. No formalized refugee camps means that the 'camps' are not recognized by the government where refugees can stay and receive government aid. In fact, of the entire Syrian refugee population, only about 15% live in actual refugee camps across various countries.  "The rest live outside camps, in cities, towns, and rural areas, often in difficult circumstances and in locations not easily reached by humanitarian aid organizations" (Cultural Orientation Resource Center, 2014).  Refugees are perceived as a financial burden for countries that host them, and since Lebanon is harboring about half its population as refugees, it would cost the government a large amount. However, another argument for non-formalized refugee camps comes from two studies done by Oxford University and the International Rescue Committee which point to the advantages of not being restricted by a formalized camp. “The Oxford study examined the economic integration and behavior of refugees in three sites in Uganda, and found that refugees exercised significant purchasing power, created jobs, and were a welcome source of labour” (Al Jazeera). While these studies point towards some economic advantages of non-formalized camps, the advantages still do not outweigh the negative experiences that refugees encounter in these communities. The map below has short descriptions of the current refugee camps in Lebanon and lists major programs that have been started in the camps as well as major problems that the communities face.

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