Rashidieh refugee camp, located 5 kilometers south of Tyre, suffered significant damage during the Lebanese civil war, particularly between 1982 and 1987. Over 600 shelters were completely or partially destroyed, resulting in the displacement of more than 5,000 Palestine refugees. The camp comprises an ‘old’ and ‘new’ section, with the former established in 1936 to house Armenian refugees and the latter built in 1963 by UNRWA to accommodate Palestine refugees from various villages in Palestine. In addition to the existing challenges, the camp has also experienced an influx of Syrian and Palestine refugees displaced from Syria due to the ongoing crisis.
Based on the official Population and Housing Census of Palestinian Camps and Gatherings in Lebanon of July 2017, the total population of Rashidieh camp was found to be 9,656 individuals, with 95.3% identified as Palestinian and the remaining 4.7% representing other nationalities. Whereas UNRWA figures indicate 36,188 registered persons in Rashidieh camp, the total number of UNRWA-registered Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon has reached 489,292 individuals as of March 2023.
WPA Rashidieh Center
Our center is made of three floors offering a variety of facilities and implementing projects. The ground floor hosts our community kitchen, fostering empowerment and togetherness through shared meal preparation. On the second floor, we provide a gym for girls, promoting accessible fitness and physical well-being. The third floor features a beauty room offering services like nails, lashes, and face care, encouraging self-care and confidence. Adjacent to it is our Youth Hub, with a library and engaging educational resources for our young community members. Additionally, on the same floor, we have a dedicated area where social services support and case management is provided.