Shahba- Displaced people of Afrin have been struggling to survive in the Shahba Canton since Afrin was occupied in 2018. They have been going through difficult times due to the siege imposed by the Syrian government and the ongoing Turkish attacks on the canton. The Syrian government has blocked the entry of essential supplies and fuel to the canton. In summer, the residents need electricity to keep them cool in burning hot weather; however, they have access to electricity three hours a day.

NuJINHA spoke to displaced women of Afrin living in the canton about the effects of the siege imposed on the canton.

 ‘Siege poses a great danger’

Nisrîn Cawîş, member of the Afrin-Shahba Municipal Council’s Women’s Committee, said, “The people living in the canton face many difficulties due to the ongoing Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Syrian government on the canton. This prevents the people from having access to essential supplies and fuel. It is summer and people suffer from rising summer temperatures. People need electricity to keep themselves cool in burning hot weather; however, they can have access to electricity three hours a day. The lack of fuel causes water shortage and power cuts. Due to the siege, the food prices have been rising. Despite the ongoing attacks and the siege, people keep struggling.”

‘Our resistance will not be suppressed’

Fatma Osman is one of the displaced women of Afrin living in the Shahba Canton. “We were forcibly displaced. Now, we are subjected to the ongoing Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Syrian government. The living conditions of the people staying in IDPs camps are getting worse due to the lack of fuel and essential supplies. Our children get sick due to extreme heat. We cannot access medicine due to the siege. The aim of the attacks and the siege is to suppress our resistance. They should know very well that our resistance will not be suppressed. As the women of Afrin, we will resist to the end.”

Heyat Yûsif, another displaced woman of Afrin, drew attention to the siege imposed by the Syrian government on the canton and said, “The Syrian government has imposed a siege on the canton since we were forcibly displaced from Afrin. Due to the siege, we face many difficulties, especially in summer. Children get sick due to extreme heat. Many people have died in the canton due to the lack of medical supplies. We have access to electricity three hours a day. Everyone keeps silent while we suffer from the siege. Forcibly displaced people have the right to life. The international community must take a step to protect our rights.”