Assessing the Sheltering Response in the Middle East: Studying Syrian Camps in Jordan

Alshawawreh, Lara; Smith, R. Sean; B. Wood, John

Abstract

This study focuses on the sheltering response in the Middle East, specifically through reviewing two Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, involving Zaatari and Azraq. Zaatari camp involved the rapid deployment of tents and shelters over a very short period of time and Azraq was purpose built and pre-planned over a longer period. At present, both camps collectively host more than 133,000 occupants. Field visits were taken to both camps and the main issues and problems in the sheltering response were highlighted through focus group discussions with camp occupants and inspection of shelter habitats. This provided both subjective and objective research data sources. While every case has its own significance and deployment to meet humanitarian needs, there are some common requirements irrespective of geographical region. The results suggest that there is a gap in the suitability of the required habitat needs and what has been provided. It is recommended that the global international response and support could be improved in relation to the habitat form, construction type, layout, function and critically the cultural aspects. Services, health and hygiene are key elements to the shelter habitat provision. The study also identified the amendments to shelters undertaken by the beneficiaries providing insight into their key main requirements. The outcomes from this study could provide an important learning opportunity to develop improved habitat response for future shelters.

Citation

Alshawawreh, L., Smith, R. S., & B. Wood, J. (2017). Assessing the Sheltering Response in the Middle East: Studying Syrian Camps in Jordan. Proceedings of the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 4(8), 1881-1887

• Journal Article Type: Conference Paper
• Acceptance Date: Aug 21, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 21, 2017
• Publication Date: Aug 21, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 22, 2017
• Journal: Proceedings of the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
• Print ISSN: 2010-376X
• Publisher: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 1881-1887
• Keywords: Culture, post-disaster, refugees, shelters,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/965481
• Publisher URL: https://scholar.waset.org/1999.10/10007596