On the morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) held a press conference at the Ishbilia Hall in the city of Sidon, during which it launched a comprehensive field report on the reality of Palestinian camps in Lebanon. The event was attended by representatives of the media, civil society organizations, and human rights activists.
The report is the result of a detailed field study that utilized comprehensive evaluation forms, aiming to shed light on the humanitarian and living conditions in Palestinian camps amid the rapid deterioration of essential services and the absence of basic rights for refugees.
In his opening speech, the Director of the Association emphasized that this human rights effort is not a luxury, but a moral and humanitarian responsibility. He stated:
"We are not merely releasing a report; we are sounding a moral alarm. The continuation of the current situation in Palestinian camps is a ticking social time bomb that can no longer be ignored.”
He added that the Palestinian individual in Lebanon is now trapped between the walls of the camp and the pressures of politics—between the fire of need and the absence of hope—affirming that any political discussion that does not place the human being at its core is an empty discussion.
The report highlighted that the Palestinian refugee is deprived of the most basic necessities of life, such as medicine, education, and decent housing. It called for a redefinition of the relationship between the Lebanese state and the refugees based on rights and justice, rather than marginalization and suspicion.
The Director of the Association affirmed that the Palestinian is not a burden but a potential partner in stability and development, if granted the right to work and live with dignity. He stressed that justice and dignity are not mere slogans, but strategic choices for ensuring genuine stability in Lebanon.
The conference concluded with an executive presentation of the report, including detailed data, photographs, and field testimonies, in an effort to provide a reliable reference for policymakers and a foundational step toward a serious, effective, and rational dialogue that restores rights to their rightful owners.
The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)
Beirut, July 9, 2025