Refugee camps are temporary settlements established to accommodate people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. These camps offer basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, and medical care to people who have lost everything. However, these camps are not a permanent solution. Refugees living in them face many challenges, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. Here, we will take a closer look at some of the largest refugee camps in the world.
List of the world’s largest refugee camps
Kutupalong-Balukhali Expansion Site (Bangladesh)
The Kutupalong-Balukhali Expansion Site is the world’s largest refugee camp. It was established in Cox’s Bazar in 2017 to accommodate the influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar. As of March 2023, the camp hosts over 700,000 refugees. The Kutupalong-Balukhali Expansion Site is one of the most densely populated places on earth. It has over 40,000 people per square kilometer.
Relevant article: WHY DO ROHINGYAS UNDERTAKE RISKY SEA JOURNEYS?
Bidi Bidi Camp (Uganda)
Bidi Bidi is the second-largest refugee camp in the world and the largest in Uganda. It was established in 2016 to accommodate refugees fleeing violence in South Sudan. The camp covers an area of 250 square kilometers and hosts over 270,000 refugees as of March 2023.
Dadaab and Kakuma Camps (Kenya)
Dadaab and Kakuma are located in Kenya. Dadaab was established in 1991 to accommodate refugees fleeing conflict in Somalia. Kakuma started in 1992 to accommodate refugees fleeing the civil war in Sudan. As of March 2023, Dadaab hosts over 200,000 refugees, while Kakuma hosts over 185,000 refugees.
Azraq and Zaatari Camps (Jordan)
Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps are located in Jordan. Zaatari was established in 2012 to accommodate refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. Azraq camp started in 2014 for the same purpose. As of March 2023, Zaatari hosts over 75,000 refugees, while Azraq hosts over 40,000 refugees.
Nyarugusu, Nduta, and Mtendeli Refugee Camps (Tanzania)
Nyarugusu, Nduta, and Mtendeli are located in Tanzania. Nyarugusu was established in 1996 to accommodate refugees fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nduta and Mtendeli were established in 2015 to accommodate refugees fleeing violence in Burundi. As of March 2023, Nyarugusu hosts over 140,000 refugees. Nduta hosts over 100,000 refugees, and Mtendeli hosts over 40,000 refugees.
Kebribeyah; Aw-barre and Sheder Camps (Ethiopia)
Kebribeyah, Aw-barre, and Sheder are located in Ethiopia. Kebribeyah was established in 1989 to accommodate refugees fleeing conflict in Somalia. Aw-barre and Sheder camps started in 2011 to accommodate refugees fleeing violence in Somalia. As of March 2023, Kebribeyah hosts over 165,000 refugees, Aw-barre hosts over 55,000 refugees, and Sheder hosts over 38,000 refugees.
Summary of ‘A Look at The World’s Largest Refugee Camps’
refugee camps provide vital assistance to refugees who have lost everything. However, the conditions in these camps can be extremely challenging.
Living in a camp can be a traumatic experience. Many of them may be separated from their families and face uncertainty about their future. Many refugees have lived in these camps for years, and there is a need for a more long-term solution to their plight.
In conclusion, the largest refugee camps in the world are a stark reminder of the scale of the refugee crisis and the need for urgent action to address this global issue.
