By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Amnesty International appealed to the Lebanese government and the international community to improve the treatment and conditions of the Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.  The report, “Exiled and Suffering: Palestinian Refugees Living in Lebanon,” condemned Lebanon’s discriminatory practices that has led to the deplorable status of many refugees.

There are three classes of refugees living in Lebanon:  (1) those who are registered with United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and with the Lebanese authorities – registered refugees; (2) those who are registered with the Lebanese authorities, but not with the UNRWA – non-registered refugees; and (3) those who are unregistered with both the UNRWA and the Lebanese authorities – non-ID refugees.  Currently, there are over 400,000 registered Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon; an estimated 10,000 to 35,000 non-registered refugees; and an estimated 3,000-5,000 non-ID refugees.  Most of the refugees live in the 12 “official” UNRWA refugee camps, while many others live in smaller “informal gatherings” or unofficial camps.

Many of these displaced Palestinians are children or grandchildren of Palestinians who fled the Palestinian Mandate during the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948.  While the refugee population has increased fourfold since then, the land allocated to them has remained unchanged.  Many families crowd into small huts that lack proper ventilation and protection from the elements.  Camp residents are unable to build or repair their housing, in fear of being arrested or fined by the Lebanese government for violating the government ban on improving homes.

In addition to poor living conditions, Palestinian refugees also lack the security of tenure.  The Lebanese government prohibits people who are not citizens of a “recognized state” from owning housing or land in Lebanon.  This means that Palestinians are vulnerable to arbitrary eviction.

Also, there are high rates of unemployment and poverty among the refugees as a result of discriminatory labor restrictions.  In 2005, the Ministry of Labor reduced the number of prohibited jobs from 70 to 20; however, Palestinians are still banned from professional positions such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers.  Also, the process of obtaining and renewing a work permit is expensive and time-consuming.  This leads many Lebanese companies to hire Palestinians to work lower level jobs, where there is more competition and a lower salary.  Another drawback is that while Palestinians are required to pay taxes, they are not allowed to receive social benefits.  Many refugees work illegally, exposing themselves to exploitation and abuse.

The lack of job prospects and limited access to education has lead to a high drop-out rate.  Unemployment and poverty often require children to leave school to work as manual laborers or as “rag-pickers” – picking through trash to sell as recycling – to help provide for the family.  Also, many refugees view years spent on education as wasted since there is virtually no access to well-paying jobs.

In addition to poor living conditions and a lack of legitimate job prospects, many refugees lack access to proper health care.  Not only is medical treatment expensive, and only partially subsidized by UNRWA, but there is a shortage of health workers, facilities, and supplies in the camps.

While condemning present conditions, Amnesty International recognized the effort made by the Lebanese government, especially recently, to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of refugees.  It also recognized that the responsibility for the suffering of the Palestinian refugees goes beyond Lebanon and urged the international community to provide Lebanon with assistance so that the rights of the refugees are protected.

For “Exiled and Suffering: Palestinian Refugees Living in Lebanon” report, please see:

Amnesty International – Exiled and suffering: Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon – 17 October 2007

For more information, please see:

Amnesty International – Palestinian refugees in Lebanon: Six decades of exile and suffering – 17 October 2007

Amnesty International – Palestinian refugees suffer in Lebanon – 17 October 2007

BBC – Appeal for Lebanon refugee rights – 17 October 2007

Daily Star – Amnesty International calls on Lebanese government to halt discrimination against Palestinian refugees – 17 October 2007

International Herald Tribune – International rights group urges Lebanon to end discrimination against Palestinians – 17 October 2007

Reuters – Lebanon urged to treat Palestinian refugees better – 17 October 2007