Neirab Camp

As of 1 January 2019

With nearly 18,000 registered refugees, Neirab camp is among the most densely populated camps. © 2018 UNRWA Photo by Ahmad Abo Zaid

Before the start of the conflict in Syria, Neirab camp was home to more than 20,000 Palestine refugees. Like other Palestine refugee camps in Syria, a large number of families, young people, have travelled abroad.  The camp has also seen a large influx of more than 900 families from the nearby Ein el Tal camp, which has been mostly destroyed. Displaced Syrians from other areas have also sought shelter in the camp, which has lower rent rates than elsewhere in the area.

With nearly 18,000 registered refugees, Neirab camp is among the most densely populated camps. The camp suffers from overcrowding and a lack of privacy. Like other areas in Syria, displacement, unemployment, inflation, protection and security risks are among the main concerns shared by Palestine refugees and Syrians alike.

The location of the camp near the military airport means the area was exposed to hazards including mortars and shelling between the start of 2013 and the end of 2018. The camp spent seven months under siege by armed opposition group (AOGs) in 2013, with no water, food, medicines or movement allowed into the camp. UNRWA services, including schools, mostly kept running during this difficult period due to the dedication of UNRWA staff.

The camp was established between 1948-1950 for refugees from northern Palestine on 0.15 square kilometers in and around army barracks constructed by the Allied Forces during World War II. The refugees found shelter in the barracks which they modified as best they could to provide some privacy and to accommodate the needs of their growing families.

While UNRWA has been able to make essential improvements and maintenance to the barracks, the housing situation in Neirab remains deplorable. Poor shelters and poor construction of the barracks result in scorching temperatures in summer and freezing conditions in winter. Water leakage and rodent infestation also remain a problem for the refugees.

UNRWA installations:

• Six double-shift schools in three buildings
• One food distribution centre
• One health centre
• One community centre
• One training centre

Programmes in the camp:

• Emergency assistance
• Health
• Education
• Relief and Social Services
• Sanitation