Zarqa Camp is a Palestinian refugee camp located on the outskirts of the city of Zarqa in Jordan. Established in 1952 by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the camp provides shelter and services to Palestinians who were displaced following the 1948 Arab–Israeli war and subsequent conflicts. It is one of several recognized refugee camps in Jordan, and its administration falls under the joint oversight of UNRWA and the Jordanian government.
History
The camp was created to accommodate the influx of Palestinian refugees who arrived in Jordan after the 1948 war. Initially composed of temporary tents and basic structures, the settlement gradually evolved into a more permanent community. Over the decades, UNRWA has overseen the construction of permanent housing units, schools, health centers, and other essential infrastructure.
Geography and Demographics
- Location: Approximately 6 km southeast of Zarqa city, bordering the Al-Dana district.
- Area: Roughly 0.42 km² (42 hectares).
- Population: UNRWA registration data from the 2020s indicate that the camp houses between 20,000 and 25,000 registered Palestinian refugees, though exact numbers fluctuate due to natural growth and migration.
Infrastructure and Services
UNRWA operates a range of services within the camp, including:
- Education: Four primary schools and two secondary schools, serving roughly 7,000 students.
- Healthcare: A primary health care center offering outpatient services, maternal and child health care, and vaccination programs.
- Water and Sanitation: A water distribution network and sewage system maintained in coordination with Jordanian municipal authorities.
- Community Facilities: Cultural centers, vocational training workshops, and a women's empowerment program.
Governance
The camp’s day‑to‑day administration is managed by a camp committee elected by residents, which collaborates with UNRWA officials and the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. Security and civil affairs are overseen by Jordanian police forces, while UNRWA handles humanitarian assistance, education, and health services.
Socio‑economic Conditions
Residents of Zarqa Camp typically experience higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to the national average, reflecting broader challenges faced by Palestinian refugees in Jordan. UNRWA and various non‑governmental organizations implement livelihood projects aimed at enhancing income generation, vocational training, and small‑business development.
References
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). “Zarqa Camp Profile,” 2023.
- Jordanian Ministry of Interior. “Statistical Report on Refugee Camps,” 2022.
- International Committee of the Red Cross. “Humanitarian Conditions in Jordanian Refugee Camps,” 2021.