Being a child under embargo and attack

The occupying Turkish state’s attacks and the land mines laid by ISIS gangs killed dozens of people from Afrin. According to information obtained from Heyva Sor a Kurd (Kurdish Red Crescent), at least 70 children, who migrated to Shehba from Afrin, lost their lives in this war, and 213 children were injured during Turkish attacks on Shehba.

Embargo doubles the existing difficulties

The embargo imposed by the Damascus government on Shehba has doubled the existing difficulties that these children had already faced. The Damascus government disallowed children to be transferred to the hospitals in Aleppo. Many children lost their lives due to the embargo.

Besides, the blockage against the transportation of medical supplies has caused the death of dozens of people.

Children who lost their legs

Nebî Bekir (14) from Afrin lost his foot in the explosion of a land mine laid by ISIS gangs while he was having a picnic together with his cousin in Til Rifet.

Speaking to ANHA, Nebî Bekir said, “While walking, I unwittingly stepped on a land mine. I did not understand what happened. The son of my uncle, who ran to save me, lost his foot, too.”

Stating that his daily life changed entirely after his loss of a foot, Nebî Bekir continued, “In the winter, we cannot use heaters since we do not have fuel. So, I suffer heavy foot pain due to the cold. I can walk with a prosthetic foot which I got from Avrin Hospital. I have to go to school by walking for 20 minutes in the cold.”

‘Humanitarian institutions do not fulfil their promises’

Bêrîvan Hisên, one of the administrators of the Afrin Health Committee, stated that children have suffered the greatest damage caused by the Turkish invasion attacks and the Damascus government’s policies.

“Children who lost their lives in war were living under harsh conditions. None of them had a joyful and happy childhood. Many humanitarian institutions did not fulfil their promises for children”, said Bêrîvan Hisên.

She continued, “Even UNICEF reduced the amount of drinking water which it supplies for the people of Shehba. Despite all the difficulties, the Administration of Shehba Canton, with limited means, makes a great effort to meet the needs of the people. Children who lost their feet receive aid, too. However, people need more support.”

‘We will continue to stand with children’

Heyde Mistefa, working for Heyva Sor a Kurd, underlined that the land mines laid by ISIS gangs in Shehba ruined the lives of children.

Recording that there are land mines in unknown locations in the region, Heyder Mistefa said, “These mines pose a great threat against children. Besides, ongoing attacks by the Turkish state cause psychological damage.”

Heyva Sor a Kurd will continue to stand with children, Heyder Mistefa stressed, saying, “We provided prosthetic feet for many children. There are many children who need prosthetic feet. Using every means available, we will continue to help these children.”