The Online Course on Refugees in Palestine, offered by Engage in the West Bank, is a unique opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the refugee situation in Palestine, and to understand something of the nature of refugee life inside the West Bank camps.

The Online Course on Refugees in Palestine seeks to inform participants about the daily challenges and difficulties experienced by camp residents. Among the most severe difficulties for camp residents is the actual infrastructure of the camps themselves. Educational and health services which are provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are also under pressure due to the scale of these services being reduced. Another challenge for refugees in the camps is the burgeoning population, as the camps cannot physically expand to cater this increase in population.

Introduction to Palestinian Refugees

Palestinian refugees are defined as “persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.”  When the UNRWA began operations in 1950, it was responding to the needs of about 750,000 Palestinian refugees. Today, some 5 million Palestinian refugees are eligible for UNRWA services.

Nearly one-third of the registered Palestinian refugees, more than 1.5 million individuals, live in 58 recognized refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Socioeconomic conditions in the camps are generally poor, with high population density, cramped living conditions and inadequate basic infrastructure such as roads and sewers. In the aftermath of the hostilities of June 1967 and the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, ten camps were established to accommodate a new wave of displaced persons, both refugees and non-refugees.

The remaining two thirds of registered Palestinian refugees live in and around the cities and towns of the host countries, and in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, often in the environs of official camps. While most of UNRWA’s installations such as schools and health centers are located in the refugee camps, a number are outside; all of the Agency’s services are available to all registered Palestinian refugees, including those who do not live in the camps. 

Topics Covered On The Course

All discussions and presentations on this course will be facilitated by a lecturer, speaking fluent English, who will explain in detail the current and historical situation in regard to refugees in Palestine. The presentations will include the following topics:

• The definition of a refugee. 
• The purpose and work of UNRWA. 
• The special situation of Palestinian refugees. 
• The living conditions in Palestinian refugee camps both in Palestine and abroad. 
• The difficulties facing refugees due to the Israeli occupation. 
• The principle of the right of return.
• UN resolutions on Palestinian refugees. 
• Proposed solutions to the refugee issue, from Donald Trump’s Middle East deal to other proposals.

Duration Of The Online Course

This Online Course on Refugees in Palestine is structured in such a way as to provide participants with all relevant information on the topic, through a series of intensive lessons and presentations.

• The lessons will take place over four days (lessons can be taken sequentially or in a staggered fashion). 
• Each lesson lasts for two hours (including a 10minutes break)
• Total duration of the course is 8 hours.  

Benefits Of The Online Course On Refugees In Palestine  

• You will gain a deeper understanding of the refugee situation in Palestine, of the organizations that work in the camps, and of the legal status of these camps.  
•  The course will be facilitated by a lecturer speaking fluent English.
•  The course is completely online, saving participants time and money, while also making it possible for them to attend at a time and date of their own preference.
• The first 15 minutes of the online lesson are free, after which participants can decide if they wish to continue with the course.
•  The Online Course on Refugees in Palestine is organized in such a way as to accommodate your own schedule. 
•  The course is very flexible, meaning that lessons can be taken sequentially or separately.
• Participants can attend the course as individuals or as part of a group (ranging between 2 and 8 students). 
• After finishing the course you will receive a certificate of completion verified by Engage in the West Bank. 

What Material Will Be Provided For Participants Of The Course?

• This Online Course on Refugees in Palestine is based on an explanation of the facts as they relate to the subject of refugees in Palestine, in addition to discussions, exchanges of opinion, and question and answer sessions. 
• Participants will be provided with the text of all of the presentations, as well as any pictorial or video material related to the topic.

Who Would This Online Course On Refugees In Palestine Be Suitable For? 

In general, the online course on refugees in Palestine would be suitable for:

• Social workers, human rights activists, legal researchers or indeed anyone who is interested in the issue of refugees.  All are welcome to register for this course. 
• Individuals aged 18 – 75  years are eligible for this course.
• Students of Human Rights, Middle Eastern Studies, Sociology, Cultural Studies and other related topics. 

What Are The Requirements For Enrolling On This Course? 

In order to enroll on this course, you will need the following : 

• A functional laptop, smartphone, iPad or similar device.  
• The device must have a fully functioning camera, microphone, and speakers or headphones.  
• Good internet connection. 
• Ideally, you will need to be in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted or disturbed.

What Don’t You Need? 

•  Knowledge of languages other than English. 
• An academic degree.
• No need to be a current university or school student. 
• Previous experience or knowledge of the topics covered in the course. 

Where and How?

We provide Online courses on Refugees In Palestine via Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Facetime, or any online platform. 

Information on Online Courses on Refugees In Palestine:

How To Apply For The Online Course On Refugees In Palestine?

If you want to participate in the Online Course on Refugees in Palestine, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. In the subject line of your email write “Online Course on Refugees in Palestine”. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days. 

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