The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in London delivered an oral statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as part of the “Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing as a Component of the Right to an Adequate Standard of Living”.

PRC said Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are being left disproportionately affected due to the dire economic situation and the outdated discriminatory Lebanese laws that seek to keep the Palestinian refugee community living in a continuous cycle of poverty.

“Today, all 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon suffer from no proper infrastructure, overcrowding, poverty and unemployment”, said PRC speaker. “The poor housing conditions have been exacerbated by a series of government policies which deny the right of Palestinian refugees to improve their housing.”

“The Lebanese government has prohibited the entry of building materials into refugee camps since the late 1990s. These camps have houses built of bricks and concrete, which require regular maintenance, however, no materials used for new buildings, renovation, and repair works are allowed in the camps. This has led to deterioration in the state of houses and the physical infrastructure”, the statement proceeded.

PRC called on the government of Lebanon to adhere to article 27 of the UNCRC and to immediately remove all restrictions imposed on the entry of building materials to Palestinian refugee camps and gatherings and to allow them to make improvements to their homes.

Watch the statement here:

https://youtu.be/2vebidyvbRc