8 September 2011 - The Children and Youth Centre (CYC), a Palestinian association based in Shatila refugee camp and one of Save the Children Sweden's long-term partners, has been recognised by UNESCO with an award for its achievements in the fields of development, education and social work targeted towards children in vulnerable and poor neighbourhoods. This is the second time that the CYC has been recognised by UNESCO with an award for its achievements; the first time was in 2009.

The CYC was established in 1997 in Shatila refugee camp, a long-term camp set up for Palestinian refugees in 1949 in southern Beirut. Originally hosting hundreds of refugees, it now hosts a population of more than 12,000 registered Palestinian refugees. The entire camp comprises approximately 1 square kilometre and thus has an exceptionally high population density. The population of Shatila camp faces poor housing conditions, health conditions and difficult economic conditions.

The CYC's main focus is on children's rights and providing access to Palestinian refugee children in the area of education and protection services. Save the Children Sweden has been working in partnership with the CYC through the provision of child friendly spaces where children can benefit from educational, cultural and protection activities, and through an institutional development programme.

Save the Children Sweden would like to congratulate the CYC on this award from UNESCO and on their great achievements in providing essential support to children in Shatila Camp.

Civil Society in Lebanon recognised for their achievements by UNESCO and the Ministry of Social Affairs in Lebanon