campements

Campement is a term used in French and occasionally in English to describe a temporary or makeshift settlement formed by groups who do not reside in permanent housing. It can refer to a military encampment, a refugee or migrant camp, or a short-term camp set up for events or exploration. The concept emphasizes mobility, provisional shelter, and decentralized infrastructure.

In a military context, campements are organized camps with quarters, supply lines, field kitchens, and medical stations, established to support operations away from permanent bases. In humanitarian and migration contexts, encampments arise when people are displaced by conflict, disasters, or persecution, or when large crowds congregate temporarily near borders or urban centers. These camps may range from sparse clusters of tents to organized settlements with collective facilities.

Common features include shelter (tents, tarpaulins, or modular units), shared water and sanitation facilities, cooking areas, waste management, and security arrangements. Physical planning aims to balance safety, mobility, and dignity while minimizing health risks.

Governance and rights: encampments are often governed by humanitarian organizations, local authorities, and community leaders. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and can affect access to services, education, and asylum procedures. Health risks in encampments include communicable diseases, malnutrition, and unsafe water; responses emphasize shelter, hygiene, vaccination, and disease surveillance. Long-term solutions typically involve local integration, resettlement, or the provision of permanent housing.

History and examples: encampments have played roles in military campaigns, colonial operations, and periods of mass displacement, including refugee crises in the 20th and 21st centuries. The term describes both temporary, purpose-built settlements and informal camps that may emerge spontaneously.