What We Do

Standards of living and socioeconomic development cannot be separated from the living conditions of Palestine refugees. The quality of the camp’s physical environment has a direct bearing on the quality of everyday life.  

As each Palestine refugee camp is unique, the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement programme (ICIP) tailors camp improvement plans to the needs of residents. In addition to houses, ICIP rehabilitates public spaces, schools, and clinics. Recognizing the specialized needs of people with disabilities, ICIP improvements include accessible roads and pathways throughout camps.  

In addition to proactive improvements, ICIP rebuilds camps that have been destroyed or damaged through armed conflict and natural disasters. In these times of emergency, UNRWA also provides immediate temporary housing and direct assistance such as water, sanitation and electricity.  

ICIP also upgrades the critically substandard shelters of the most vulnerable Palestine refugees. The Agency’s response to basic housing needs is coordinated with host governments in line with their national, regional and municipal plans.  

In order to promote a safe and healthy urban environment for Palestine refugees and control outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis, ICIP works in collaboration with host authorities to ensure access to safe drinking water through comprehensive water-supply networks. The provision of sewerage systems, waste removal services, storm-water drainage and rodent-control services combats the spread of sanitation- and hygiene-related diseases. Electrical infrastructure, access roads and footpath networks are also maintained.