- Shatila camp was established in 1949 and is located in Beirut.
Shatila Camp
Shatila camp was established in 1949 and is located in Beirut, east of the Sport City stadium, falling within the municipality of Ghobeiri. The camp was devastated during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and was frequently targeted during the Lebanese civil war, resulting in extensive destruction and dilapidation of shelters and infrastructure. Shatila camp and the adjacent neighborhood of Sabra in Beirut were the scene of a massacre on 16-18 September 1982 that claimed the lives of a large number of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.
Initially comprised of around 500 residential units, the camp has grown tenfold since its establishment. Most of the growth has ben vertical, with new shelter being erected on top of existing ones, without proper foundations.
Security and governance in the camp are the responsibility of Popular Committees and Palestinian factions.
Last updated July 2023.
For more information about Shatila Camp (click here).
REFUGEE CAMPS IN Lebanon
We provide services in 12 Palestine refugee camps in Lebanon. UNRWA does not administer or police the camps, as this is the responsibility of the host authorities.
Quick Facts
Official camps
Unrwa In Shatila Camp
Schools
- There is one UNRWA elementary school in Shatila camp providing education for more than 650 children including Palestine Refugees from Syria (PRS).
Health Centre
- There is One UNRWA health centre in Shatila camp which provides primary health care to Palestine Refugees from Lebanon (PRL) and Palestine Refugees from Syria (PRS).
- Services provide include maternal and child health care, including vaccination, essential medication, laboratory testing, non-communicable disease services and control. School health examinations are also conducted, and psychosocial support is offered to children in need.
Social Safety Net Beneficiaries
- A core focus for social protection is providing Social Safety Net (SSN) support to the most vulnerable Palestine Refugees. Assistance is issued quarterly to more than 410 families (1,431 individuals) in the camp.
