Afrin, Shahba IDPs face dire conditions as lack of humanitarian aid

 Extreme weather conditions and a severe lack of humanitarian aid have exacerbated their suffering, with heavy rains and freezing temperatures leading to flooding in tents and a rise in illnesses among children. The absence of support from humanitarian and medical organizations has further deepened their plight.

 Ronahi Hussein, a displaced woman from Afrin, which has been under Turkish occupation since 2018, described the dire situation: "We are struggling with the rain and cold; children are sick, and there have even been fatalities." She also reported that four tents had caught fire due to strong winds and inadequate heating.

 Hussein emphasized that the displaced residents of Afrin and Shahba, representing diverse communities, currently reside in the temporary shelter at the sports complex in Tabqa.

 Hussein Ali, another displaced resident from Afrin, expressed his frustration: "This is not our first displacement. We are living in tents that do not protect us from the rain and cold. While others celebrate the rain, we suffer because it floods our tents and worsens our misery." He called for international intervention, urging pressure on Turkey to withdraw from Afrin and allow its rightful residents to return.

 Imad Al-Omar, another affected resident and the father of a child with special needs, said, "I live in a tent with my family and sick child, and I cannot even afford to buy milk for him."

He called on humanitarian organizations and the international community to facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homeland, stating that they would not need aid if they were allowed to return to their homes.

a.k

ANHA