Looking at the history of the camp, we noticed that most actions moving directly from the people were motivated by a sense of *responsibility toward the camp itself and what goes on around it, politically, economically and socially. We decided to try to find the source of this sense of responsibility, which regularly is divided into that which comes from authorized power and that which comes from a genuine care for one’s surroundings. The latter is what has mostly motivated the community of Dheisheh refugee camp to take up their actions.

Yet looking at the camp today, this sense has decreased to the point where responsibility is divided according to position, background and aims, requiring a significant contribution on the part of the community. However, there are a number of moments when people act out of a genuine caring sense. What we are attempting to discover here is what this sense of responsibility means in Dheisheh refugee camp today and what motivates it. Is there a difference between responsibility in general and the responsibility of a refugee living in the camp?

Contributors: Qussay Abu Aker, Naba’ Al-Assi, Ahmad Al-Lahham, Murad Odeh.

Responsibility (PDF)

*The Collective Dictionary is a series of publications containing definitions of concepts. The terms proposed are those considered fundamental for the understanding of the contemporary condition of Palestinian refugee camps. These words have emerged as a result of actions and active dialogs with the camp community. Written reflections on personal experiences, interviews, excursions and photographic investigations constitute the starting point for the formulation of more structured thoughts. The Collective Dictionary is both the reference and conceptual framework for all Campus in Camps projects and interventions.