Refugee camp

From ArticleWorld

A refugee camp is a collection of tents and shelters to host refugees. Millions of refugees and displaced persons live in those camps. The refugee camps offer shelters for those affected by wars and conflicts, and were forced to flee their homes. They also shelter other people who were affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, drought or the tsunami.

Refugee camps could be built by governments, local or international non-governmental organizations – NGOs, or other international bodies such as the UNHCR and UNICEF. International NGOs such as the Red Cross, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders help to supply the refugees with food, water, medical care and other basics such as blankets, and kitchen utilities. However, as some camps are home for thousands of refugees, stretching for miles, they become overcrowded and the aid agencies struggle sometimes to cover these needs.

Since refugee camps are generally designed to meet basic human needs for a short period, a humanitarian crisis may result on the long run. Despite the efforts of many aid organizations to shelter and protect refugees, thousands dye from diseases and starvation, particularly the children and elderly. Women also can be subject to abuse and rape.

Refugee camp facilities

• Sleeping accommodation such as tents and blankets.
• Hygiene and sanitation facilities such as toilets
• Medical and health care supplies
• Communication equipment such as radios.
• Education services are sometimes provided.

Examples of refugee camps

• Nabatieh camp for Palestinian refugees in southern Lebanon which was destroyed in 1973.
• Tindouf camps in Algeria, the UNHCR is supporting about 90,000 refugees in five camps.
• Thori Park camp in Chatter Lower, is one of the largest camps in Pakistan.

There are many other refugees camps built in Chad and Sudan to shelter almost two millions of Sudanese who have fled the Darfur conflict since 2003.