Zaatari: Life in the Desert Camp

The conflict and counter-terrorist strikes in Syria have forced thousands to flee their homes. In northern Jordan, hundreds of asylum seekers cross the border each day and are received by the Jordanian Army.

These arrivals are taken to Zaatari, a stretch of desert that has grown into the world’s second-largest refugee camp, now home to more than 100,000 people. Women and children make up the majority of inhabitants, as many men remain in Syria, defending their homes or lost to the conflict.

Zaatari is a place of movement and energy: children run freely through the camp, yet only a fraction can attend school. About 30,000 children are eligible for education, but only 15,000 places exist, and many parents are hesitant to let their children out of sight. As displacement stretches into years, access to education becomes crucial for the future of a generation. UNICEF and other organizations are working tirelessly to address this challenge.

The camp functions like a small city: shelters, food, water, medical care, and education are provided by international organizations and the Jordanian government. Yet life persists beyond survival. Syrian refugees have created a network of small businesses — from tea stalls and wedding dress rentals to video game centers and snooker clubs. Along the camp’s 1-kilometer-long shopping street, dubbed the Champs Elysées of Zaatari, daily life continues with determination and resilience.