Published : 03-11-2020
Hundreds of Palestinian refugee families taking shelter in AlSabina camp fear that they won’t be able to cook their food or keep the cold out of their homes this year, as a freezing winter season is about to unlock its gates.
The residents have launched into a tirade against the malpractices of Syria’s burgeoning black oil market, fuel shortages, and—most of all—the exorbitant prices of wood and fuel charged by corrupt officials and traders.
The price of a ton of wood has been raised to 180, 000 Syrian pounds while a liter of fuel is sold in the black market at over 250 pounds.
Located some 14 kilometers away from southern Damascus, AlSabina Camp has been gripped with an abject situation owing to the absence of humanitarian assistance, relief aids, proper infrastructure, and vital facilities.
UN data indicates that the camp was established in 1948. Before the conflict in Syria, the camp was home to 22,600 Palestine refugees. It was taken over by armed opposition groups in 2013. The camp remained closed to civilians for almost four years and houses and infrastructure were damaged in the fighting. In September 2017, civilians were able to return to their homes. All UNRWA installations were in need of repairs.
The whole Palestine population in AlSabina camp suffered from displacement during the crisis and many families left the country and sought refuge in neighboring countries or fled to Europe.
During the conflict, labor opportunities have dwindled and the unemployment rate is still very high with very limited financial resources to help Palestine refugees restore their livelihoods. Like other areas in Syria, displacement, inflation, protection and security risks are among the main concerns shared by Palestine refugees and Syrians alike.
The camp is situated on an area of 0.03 square kilometers. Palestine refugees who came to Syria in 1948 first settled the camp. It also accommodates Palestine refugees who were displaced as a result of the 1967 conflict.
Hundreds of Palestinian refugee families taking shelter in AlSabina camp fear that they won’t be able to cook their food or keep the cold out of their homes this year, as a freezing winter season is about to unlock its gates.
The residents have launched into a tirade against the malpractices of Syria’s burgeoning black oil market, fuel shortages, and—most of all—the exorbitant prices of wood and fuel charged by corrupt officials and traders.
The price of a ton of wood has been raised to 180, 000 Syrian pounds while a liter of fuel is sold in the black market at over 250 pounds.
Located some 14 kilometers away from southern Damascus, AlSabina Camp has been gripped with an abject situation owing to the absence of humanitarian assistance, relief aids, proper infrastructure, and vital facilities.
UN data indicates that the camp was established in 1948. Before the conflict in Syria, the camp was home to 22,600 Palestine refugees. It was taken over by armed opposition groups in 2013. The camp remained closed to civilians for almost four years and houses and infrastructure were damaged in the fighting. In September 2017, civilians were able to return to their homes. All UNRWA installations were in need of repairs.
The whole Palestine population in AlSabina camp suffered from displacement during the crisis and many families left the country and sought refuge in neighboring countries or fled to Europe.
During the conflict, labor opportunities have dwindled and the unemployment rate is still very high with very limited financial resources to help Palestine refugees restore their livelihoods. Like other areas in Syria, displacement, inflation, protection and security risks are among the main concerns shared by Palestine refugees and Syrians alike.
The camp is situated on an area of 0.03 square kilometers. Palestine refugees who came to Syria in 1948 first settled the camp. It also accommodates Palestine refugees who were displaced as a result of the 1967 conflict.
