- Wavel refugee camp was originally a site of French Mandate-era army barrack in the Beqaa Valley.
- It provided shelter to Palestine refugees in 1948 and UNRWA assumed responsibility in 1952.
Wavel Camp
Wavel refugee camp was originally a site of French Mandate era army barracks situated 90 km east of Beirut in the Beqaa Valley near Baalbeck. It provided shelter to Palestine Refugees in 1948. In 1952, UNRWA assumed responsibility for providing services in the camp. Many refugees still live in the original army barracks, which lack daylight and adequate ventilation. Conditions are particularly harsh in winter. The ongoing Syria crisis has also led to the additional presence of Syrian refugees and Palestine Refugees from Syria (PRS) in the camp.
The camp's water, sewerage and stormwater drainage systems were rehabilitated between 2004 and 2005, however access to potable water remains a persistent challenge as elsewhere in Lebanon.
Security and governance in the camp are the responsibility of Popular Committees and Palestinian Factions.
Updated August 2023.
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 Wavel Camp
Schools
- In Wavel camp, education is provided to around 970 students at Qastal Secondary School. There are two kindergartens in the camp, which are both managed by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Health Centre
- Medical services are provided in the refugee camp by two medical officers and three specialists who visit the camp’s health centre. On average, 69 patients – including those from Syria – visit the camp’s health centre per day. Due to the remote location, access to hospitalization is difficult and costly.
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 244 families (814 individuals) in the camp.
