Washokani Camp in crisis as heat and neglect intensify

As summer arrives, the plight of the displaced from the occupied city of Serê Kaniyê, residing in Washokani Camp in the countryside of Hasaka, worsens. Since 2019, following the Turkish aggression on the city and its surrounding areas, thousands of displaced people have been enduring tragic living conditions that grow harsher by the day.

With soaring temperatures, prolonged power outages, a shortage of potable water, and deteriorating sanitation services, the lives of the residents have turned into a daily nightmare marked by diseases, health issues, and struggles over limited resources.

Dilapidated Infrastructure and Inadequate Temporary Solutions

The camp relies on temporary infrastructure that has deteriorated over time, in the face of a noticeable absence of international response and the limited capabilities of the Autonomous Administration overseeing the camp’s affairs. Residents depend on primitive and temporary solutions, while health crises escalate and insects proliferate, posing a daily threat to their safety.

Residents’ Testimonies Document Their Ongoing Suffering

Salim al-Darwish, a displaced person from the countryside of Serê Kaniyê, described the situation, saying: “With the arrival of summer, staying inside the tents becomes unbearable from 9 a.m. due to the intense heat, while the organizations responsible for cleaning are absent, leading to widespread garbage accumulation.

Al-Darwish added: “We urge the relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations to act urgently to address the electricity crisis and organize sanitation before these problems lead to disease outbreaks and harmful insect infestations.”

Children Are the First Victims

Salmiya Mohammed, another displaced woman, spoke about the impact on children, stating: “Our children suffer from skin diseases and heatstroke, while we struggle with a lack of electricity, preventing us from using essential appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators. The water shortage also causes daily conflicts among residents.”

Salmiya demanded an increase in electricity hours and improved water services, saying: “We need electricity around the clock and an increase in our food rations because the current situation is no longer bearable.”

Spread of Diseases and Growing Tragedy

Amina Hussein, another displaced woman, described the camp’s conditions as extremely harsh, saying: “Over time, our suffering worsens. We face a lack of electricity, water shortages, and deteriorating sanitation networks, leading to the spread of skin diseases and harmful insects that affect children, increasing the risk of epidemics.”

Amina concluded with a heartfelt plea: “We demand a safe return to our lands with guarantees, as we are tired of living in tents that these harsh conditions have turned into a daily prison.”

Urgent Call for Solutions

The residents of Washokani Camp renew their appeals to humanitarian organizations and the international community for urgent support to improve health and living conditions and ensure the dignified return of the displaced to their lands before this crisis claims more innocent lives.

a.k

ANHA