ASKAR REFUGEE CAMP

Askar camp was established in 1950 on 209 dunums within the municipal boundaries of Nablus. In 1964, the camp was expanded to cover an additional 90 dunums, and camp residents refer to this new area as "New Askar". "New Askar" is not officially recognized as a camp, there are no UNRWA installations there, and the area falls in "zone B". Old Askar camp falls under Palestinian Authority control in "zone A".

Overcrowding in the camp is a severe problem and the camp committee has suggested expanding the camp's boundaries as a possible solution. However, UNRWA has no authority to carry out any expansion of camps since this comes under the jurisdiction of the host governments/authority.

As part of the Agency's ongoing efforts to improve the educational facilities in refugee camps, a new boys' school has recently been constructed and equipped with contributions from the Saudi Program for the Assistance of the Palestinian People.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Registered Refugee Population: 14,629.
• Special hardship cases: 602 families.
• Number of damaged shelters that have been affected due to the IDF incursions in the West Bank since the beginning of the Intifada till March 2004: 26 shelters in which 24 were assisted by UNRWA.
• Number of families receiving emergency food rations :2086
• Number of pupils: Male: 1798, female: 1724.
• A new girls’ school was constructed in 2003
• A new Health clinic was constructed in 2003 to replace the old clinic which was demolished.