I will soon begin research into my origins in Palestine. Before coming to Canada as a sponsored refugee, thanks to the generosity of someone from the U.S., I lived a life filled with stories, struggles, and experiences that are waiting to be shared. Many Canadians, along with those who know me, are still curious to learn more about Palestine and what life is like for Palestinians.
To address this, I am working on planning a funded research project. The data collected will be invaluable to supporters and will serve as the foundation for a meaningful media project.
For now, here is some background on Balata Camp:
Balata Camp: A Community Under Strain
Located in Nablus, in the northern West Bank, Balata Camp was originally established to house around 5,000 Palestinian refugees. Today, it is the most densely populated camp in the West Bank, with a registered population of 33,078. Overcrowding and poor infrastructure put immense pressure on residents, impacting every aspect of daily life.
As the camp has expanded, new construction has encroached on public spaces, turning streets into narrow alleys where privacy and living space are scarce. With limited recreational areas, UNRWA facilities serve as some of the only safe spaces for children to play outdoors. Meanwhile, Israeli Security Forces (ISF) frequently conduct operations in the camp, often deploying large numbers of troops. These incursions frequently lead to confrontations, with the use of live ammunition and other weaponry posing a constant risk of injury and loss of life.
Unemployment is a significant challenge, especially among youth, who make up approximately 60% of the camp’s population. According to the PCBS Labour Taskforce Report (Q4 2022), the unemployment rate across all camps stood at 17%. Poverty and food insecurity in Balata are among the highest of any West Bank refugee camp, leaving many residents with little hope for the future.
Despite these hardships, Balata Camp is known for its strong civil society and active community organizations. However, since October 7, 2023, rising tensions, violence, and increased movement restrictions have severely hindered humanitarian efforts across all refugee camps, further worsening the conditions for Balata’s residents.
