Maxmur People's Assembly Co-Presidency announced in a written statement that the Iraqi government is not giving ID cards to the residents of the camp, not providing basic services and is preventing the entry of food.

The statement drew attention to the recent talks between Iraq and Turkey and emphasized that these talks did not aim for a political solution. On the contrary, the pressure on the camp increased.

“Although our camp is affiliated to the Iraqi government in terms of security and administration, no solution is produced for health, education, infrastructure, administrative and legal issues,” said the Assembly.

‘Newborn children cannot be registered’

The Assembly stated that those living in the camp have not been able to get ID cards for two years, the expired ID cards cannot be processed, and even newborn children cannot be registered. This situation prevents people with chronic diseases such as cancer from accessing health services.

‘University students deprived of their right to education for four years’

The statement emphasized that university students living in the camp have been deprived of their right to education for four years, and despite the Iraqi government's promises to solve this problem, no steps have been taken this year either.

‘Humanitarian and fuel aid not delivered to Maxmur’

The Assembly noted that humanitarian aid distributed to refugees throughout Iraq was not delivered to Maxmur Camp despite the availability of all documents. Fuel aid, which is distributed during the winter months, has not reached the camp residents. Water and road projects managed by the camp municipality have been waiting for solutions for years. Although commissions from Iraq have been making inspections, no concrete results have been obtained.

‘Basic necessities not allowed into the camp for almost a week’

The Maxmur People's Assembly announced that the Iraqi government has not allowed any basic necessities into the camp for almost a week. This situation aggravates the already difficult living conditions of the people.

Years of embargo and resistance

Founded in 1994 by Kurdish refugees who migrated from Northern Kurdistan as a result of the Turkish state's oppression, Maxmur Camp has been subjected to oppression by both Iraq and Turkey for years. The ruling KDP's embargo, in place since 2019, has prevented passage to Hewlêr, and many civilians have lost their lives as a result of bombings by Turkish warplanes.

An attempt by Iraqi forces to encircle the camp with a fence in 2021 was thwarted by the resistance of the camp residents. However, according to the statement, a new siege and isolation process has been initiated following the recent Iraqi-Turkish talks.