Protection challenges in a legal vacuum – the case of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon

10/04/2009

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon do not enjoy international and national protection as they should do. They live in enclaves outside the Lebanese rule of law. Practices in the refugee camps are regulated by traditions, abuse of power is common and local practices may be contrary to the needs of victims. Despite 60 years of Palestinian refugee presence and international assistance in Lebanon, refugee camp organisation and dynamics are poorly documented. The present abstract highlights the situation in refugee camps outside Lebanese State control and looks at some practices in contradiction with international conventions protecting refugees and children.