Cutting off water by UNICEF exacerbates suffering of IDPs in Shahba

Following the occupation of Afrin in 2018, and the forcible displacement of its people to Shahba region, many camps were established to shelter these displaced people. That is why, UNICEF at that time was responsible for providing water to these camps by the water tanks, but it then began cutting off water successively. In 2020, it reduced the amounts of water allocated to the villages, and in 2021, it cut off water from the entire region. Furthermore, on February 15 of this year, it completely cut off water from the camps.

Speaking to ANHA Agency, Jamal Rashid the deputy Co-presidency of Afrin and Shahba Canton said: “The water was cut off by UNICEF and this is considered a crime. Food and drink are basic needs, the war destroyed the infrastructure in the region, including water networks, so we provide water through tankers, as the whole of Shahba suffers from a water crisis, not just the camps.”

“We have 5 camps, and providing water to these camps was easier when UNICEF was distributing water, but cutting off the water created a real challenge to the Autonomous Administration and the municipality" Rashid added.

Jamal Rashid made the point clear that: “ We pledge to help and support our people in overcoming these difficulties together.”

The displaced Jihan Manan referred to their steadfastness in the camps for 6 years, and said: “Our suffering this year is different from previous years. Children get sick in the summer, and we cannot sleep at night because of the extreme heat, there is no electricity, and what exacerbates our suffering is the water outage."

Salwa Huro stressed that the current difficulties cannot prevent them from returning to Afrin.

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ANHA