The number of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon is nearly half a million, about half of whom live in 12 Concentration Camps registered with the United Nations. These Camps are Al-Beddawi, Al-Buss, Al-Rashidiyah, Al-Mayeh, Burj Al-Barajneh, Burj Al-Shamali, Shatila, Dbayeh, Ain Al-Hilweh, Mar Elias, Nahr Al-Bared and Wavell. According to a survey conducted by UNRWA last year – 93% of Palestine Refugees in Lebanon suffer from abject poverty. UNRWA says, “Palestinian Refugees are prohibited from practicing 39 professions, including general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, law and other professions.” She added, “They cannot own real estate. And since they are not considered official citizens of another country, they are unable to obtain the same rights as foreigners who live and work in Lebanon.” UNRWA indicated that security conditions have deteriorated in some of these Concentration Camps over the years – with an increase in violence (and use of weapons) being observed.
