RÛBARÎN BEKIR

Shahba- The embargo and siege imposed by the Syrian government on Shahba Canton make living conditions even more difficult in winter. The 4th Armored Division of the Syrian army has not allowed the essential supplies such as fuel, food and medicine entering the region, which causes the people of the canton to face more difficulties in winter.

‘Health centers and hospitals have no electricity’

Fadela Ali is a displaced woman of Afrin living in Shahba. She suffers from asthma but has difficulties in accessing medicine. “I need to use a nebulizer since I have asthma. However, health centers and hospitals have no electricity to provide health services to us,” said Fadela Ali, who had to leave Afrin due to the Turkish occupation. “Now, we face the embargo and siege imposed by the Syrian government.”

‘We resist the worsening living conditions’

The people of Shahba face more difficulties in winter due to the siege. “The weather is getting colder and people suffer from many diseases. We cannot even meet our essential needs. We resist the worsening living conditions; the more we resist, the more we face restrictions. Despite everything, we will resist to the end. Human rights organizations should break their silence against this siege. They should put pressure on the Syrian government to lift the siege,” Fadela Ali said.

‘We have no fuel to keep us warm in tents’

Sherine Muhammad underwent a surgery; however, her treatment was uncompleted due to the siege. Her health is deteriorating due to cold weather and lack of medicine. “The Syrian forces have not allowed fuel and medical supplies entering the region. We live in tents and it is very cold. We have no fuel to keep us warm in tents. We call on the international community to break the silence and put pressure on the Syrian government.”

‘I cannot protect my son with disabilities from cold weather’

Fatima Abdo has a 12-year-old son with disabilities. “My son cannot receive treatment due to the siege imposed by the Syrian government. I have to keep him warm in winter and cool in summer. My son’s health is deteriorating because we live in a tent. Due to shortage of fuel, I cannot protect my son with disabilities from cold weather. The siege and embargo must be lifted now. The Syrian government must allow fuel and other essential supplies to enter the region.”