The occupation of Serêkaniyê by the Turkish state and allied mercenaries displaced tens of thousands of people. Many of them were relocated to Washokani (Waşûkani) Camp built by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria in Hesekê city.

As summer temperatures rise, a range of problems have surfaced in the camp, home to tens of thousands. Issues with drinking water and sewage, persistent power cuts, and an increase in illnesses have compounded the challenges faced by the residents.

Infrastructure collapse and makeshift solutions deepen the crisis

Nearly five years since its establishment, the camp's infrastructure has entirely collapsed. While the Autonomous Administration tries to find solutions with limited resources, international organizations continue to avoid taking responsibility for addressing the problems.

Salim Al-Darwish, a resident of the camp, described the conditions: “In this summer heat, it’s impossible to stay inside the tent after 9 in the morning. There is a serious sanitation problem in the camp. Garbage is not being collected. Electricity is provided only for a few hours. The sewage problems are getting worse day by day. Diseases are spreading constantly.”

Al-Darwish also urged the responsible organizations to take immediate action:“These issues need to be resolved urgently. The sewage system is completely unusable. It must be replaced. The problem needs to be addressed before it leads to even more serious consequences.”

Children are the most affected

The harsh conditions in the camp are taking the greatest toll on children, according to Selmiya Mohammed, a displaced resident. She explained, “There is no water, and electricity is barely supplied. We have no access to healthcare services. The lack of drinking water is a major problem.”

Mohammed called for urgent action to improve services, stating that the current situation has become unbearable.

Diseases are spreading

Another resident, Emine Hussein, stated that the lack of drinking water and electricity is making life increasingly difficult. She emphasized that illnesses have begun to spread throughout the camp and that what they ultimately want is to be able to return to their homes in safety.