Karama.org

KARAMA was established in 2002 as non-governmental organization situated in Deheishe Refugee Camp near the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Since the outbreak of the second Intifada in September 2000 the inhabitants of the camp are - just like their compatriots in other refugee camps in the greater region - surrounded by an environment of violence and hatred, devastation and poverty as well as fear and despair. The Palestinian economy, already suffering tremendously from the ongoing roadblockades, restrictions and curfews, is about to break down. As a result of the Intifada Israel has tightened up the situation. The policy of eliminating potential enemies of the Israeli state but actually killing civilians when those actions are carried out, the destruction of houses and the siege of whole cities and areas is now part of the daily Palestinian life.

Thousands of people have been killed or injured so that they cannot provide basic needs for their families. As a result of the Israeli siege and closure policy, the majority of the Palestinians became unemployed. In addition to this they suffer from collective punishment including invasions, curfews and checkpoints. This makes everyday life and work hard and risky. Many ordinary families have lost children and homes and along with it the taste of life. The occupation has changed everybody's life, including children's, and results in the loss of hope, happiness and peace. Moreover, those children grow up without gardens, playgrounds, libraries and activity centers.

In these adverse circumstances Karama's center in Deheisha Refugee Camp could well be considered an oasis which provides a safe place for women, children and adolescents offering them different activities and supporting them in many fields. Karama (arabic for dignity) is working independently and is not affiliated with any political party or movement. Karama has established partnerships with different organizations.

Karama's center is open seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm, during holidays and from 1 pm to 6 pm whilst schooltime - sometimes even longer. The focus is mainly aimed at children between 10 and 14 years and adolescents up to 24 years of age.
On an area of 110 square meters there are four rooms which can be used simultaneously for activities. Day by day up to 40 children, boys and girls, are taking part in the center's activities. Yet, the children are not "consuming" the activities in a passive manner, but the tutors stimulate them to bring in their own ideas and to organize those activities which they desire themselves.

Karama's activities are only limited by the lack of space and money . Karama is running all its activities with a monthly budget of barely more than 2,500 NIS (US $620) - including expenses for rent, maintainance, electricity, water and telephone. Thus the whole crew, teachers and trainers, not only has to work voluntarily, they often pay for some of the activities out of their own pockets.

KEY INFORMATION (source: UNICEF )

POVERTY

The poverty rate across the occupied Palestinian territories has reached 70%, according to data gathered until the third quarter of 2006 (less than US $2 per day) compared with 21% prior to the conflict in September 2000.
30.3 % of the Palestinian workforce have been unemployed, totalling some 288,300 persons.
35% of households are reducing the quantity of food they eat - 65% limit meat and fruit consumption.
63.8% of households have faced difficulties getting food supply.
In the period March - June 2002, 22% of West Bank villages experienced foot shortages, 33% experienced water cut-offs and 4% experienced electricity cut-offs.

EDUCATION

12 Palestinian Schools and universities had been sealed off by the Israeli authorities up to August, 8, 2006.

359 schools had been shelled and 43 schools had been turned into military outposts.

275 schools are situated close to flash points in the current conflict.

12 Palestinian Schools and Universities had been sealed off by the Israeli authorities up to August, 8, 2006.

HEALTH

36.4% of households are not able to access health services. 59% report difficulties in paying for the cost of treatment.

50% of health staff spend an average of 2-4 hours more per day in travel time getting to work.

80% of parents have noticed changes in their children's behaviour, including problems sleeping, being afraid and finding it hard to concentrate.

Repeated exposure to the sound of shooting and/or shelling in their community is the major cause for psychological problems for 73% of affected children.

Children most vulnerable to emotional and psychological problems live in refugee camps, are poor and are girls older than five.

66% of people report greater levels of violence among children and youth.

VIOLENCE

The Israeli army has killed 5,050 Palestinian men, women and children, wounded 49,760 others and detained 10,4000.

351 Palestinian women have been killed, 150 patients have died at checkpoints and 66 others have been killed due to beating by Israeli settlers.

36 medical staff have been killed, 9 members of the press, and 220 sportsmens.

848 students and educational staff were also shot dead by the Israeli army during the reporting period and 4,792 were wounded.

As for Israeli violations against journalists, the report recorded 1,147 attacks.

40% of Palestinian children killedwere inside their homes, or on their way to school or in school.

An estimated 2,500 Palestinians will experience long-term disabilities due to their injuries, including over 530 children.