Assessing shelter sustainability in refugee camps in the Middle East: Towards adequate, safe and affordable housing

This study examines shelter conditions and their sustainability in refugee camps in the Arab bordering countries, a decade after their establishment within the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 11. A cross-case study approach was used to explore three strategically chosen countries: Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. A mixed-methods approach was applied, and data collection included a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and a field visit to Lebanon. Data collection involved 101 participants. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25, employing Crosstabs analysis, Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality, and Spearman correlation for nonparametric data. Sustainability index is presented based on four dimensions: environmental, economic, technical-physical, and socio-cultural. The study reveals disparities in shelter types, protection factors, and overall sustainability. Iraq demonstrated higher scores in protection factors and overall satisfaction and shelter sustainability due to more durable construction and culturally appropriate design with refugee participation and supportive policy, unlike Lebanon, where refugees faced challenges related to the rent burden and restrictive policy. Recommendations emphasize the need for context-appropriate shelter diversification, enhanced participatory design process, and integrated policy reforms to improve sustainability outcomes. These measures contribute to achieving SDG 11 and fostering sustainable development in refugee settings. • Refugee input key for socio-cultural and overall shelter sustainability. • Iraq shelters are more affordable, safe and sustainable over time. • Holistic shelter design enhances its sustainability and the achievement of SDG 11. • Shelter type impacts protection, dignity, safety and overall well-being of refugees. • Shelter modifications reflect refugee agency.