About Us

About us

Shoruq Organization was established in 2012 in Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, Palestine, as a grassroots response to the pressing needs and enduring rights of Palestinian refugees. Registered as a non-governmental organization, Shoruq focuses its work on defending and promoting the political, legal, social, cultural, and economic rights of Palestinian refugees -especially children, youth, and women- across refugee camps and other areas of displacement in Palestine and the diaspora. At the core of Shoruq’s vision is a just and democratic world that upholds the inalienable rights of Palestinian refugees, including their internationally recognized right of return to their ancestral lands from which they were forcibly displaced, starting in 1948. Grounded in this vision, Shoruq works to empower marginalized refugee communities, amplify their voices, and support their role in shaping a dignified and self-determined future. Over the past decade, Shoruq has developed and implemented innovative programs that integrate legal and social support, advocacy, media, and creative expression. The organization’s Media Center has provided valuable platforms for youth and university students, while its legal, psychosocial, and cultural interventions have responded to the growing vulnerabilities facing refugee communities under occupation. Despite the harsh political and economic conditions, Shoruq has remained flexible and responsive; mobilizing during emergencies, adapting to shifting needs, and staying rooted in its community-driven approach."

Mission

Shoruq is a Palestinian civil society organization committed to defending the rights of refugees and displaced persons through advocacy, community mobilization, empowerment, and rights protection. The organization works to create an environment that upholds the dignity of Palestinian refugees and promotes their right of return, in accordance with international law.

Vision

" A free and democratic Palestinian society in which the rights of refugees are upheld, including their right to return to their homes in dignity and justice."

our values

Transparency & Integrity Ensuring transparent, ethical, and responsible management of Shoruq’s operations and resources. Accountability Promoting responsibility at all levels and holding individuals and duty bearers accountable for their actions. Justice, Inclusion & Equality Ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and meaningful inclusion for all without discrimination. Best Interests of the Child Placing children’s rights, safety, well-being, and meaningful participation at the heart of Shoruq’s work. Participation & Freedom of Expression Empowering children and youth to participate, express themselves freely, and engage actively in their communities. Confidentiality & Professionalism Protecting sensitive information and maintaining professional and safeguarding standards at all times. Collaboration & Coordination Building effective partnerships and coordinated efforts to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication. Justice, Humanity & Dignity Defending the rights and dignity of refugees and marginalized communities and promoting social and legal justice. Responsiveness Responding promptly and flexibly to the evolving needs and priorities of refugees and targeted communities.

Objectives

Enhancing advocacy and lobbying processes, in order to attain just and inalienable rights for Palestinian refugees, as well as empowering them at the local, regional, and international levels. Creating a supportive and protective legal environment for refugee children in conflict with the law and the most marginalized and vulnerable children to ensure their equal access to justice, in addition to providing them with social and psychological assistance when necessary

DHEISHEH REFUGEE CAMP

In Dheisheh Refugee Camp, located southwest of Bethlehem City, 13,017 inhabitants live on less than one square kilometer of land. Dheisheh is one of the 58 recognized Palestinian refugee camps administered by United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The camp was meant to be a temporary sanctuary away from the destruction of 532 Palestinian cities and villages, and expulsion of more than 750,000 Palestinians in 1948 Nakba (Catastrophe). The refugees are from 45 villages west of Jerusalem and Hebron. The camp is the largest of three refugee camps in the Bethlehem Governorate. Although Dheisheh has a highly resilient and active community, the people have endured many hardships over the years. The main problems in the camp today are severe overcrowding, unemployment, and, sadly, a lack of hope because there are few opportunities for young people.