As summer begins and temperatures climb, migrants from Afrin and Shehba, who were forcibly displaced by the occupying Turkish state and its mercenaries to Tabqa Canton and have been living in temporary camps since, endure severe and difficult conditions. Yet, the flame of resistance in their hearts remains unextinguished as they transform their camps into centers of dignity and struggle.

IDPs from the occupied Afrin and Shehba Cantons spoke to ANHA about the difficult circumstances they face, their longing and their desire to return to their homes.

Yasmîn El Elî, a migrant from the occupied city of Afrin, stated, "The humanitarian situation of the migrants is extremely difficult. The tents protect neither from the heat during the day nor from the cold in winter. Diseases are increasing among both children and the elderly. During the summer, scorpions and snakes appear, making life in the camps even more challenging."

She noted that security enables the migrants to remain resilient under these circumstances and added, "The migrants demand security in their homeland and a safe return."

She also urged international powers to fulfill their responsibilities toward the IDPs and declared, "The people of Afrin will return to their homeland whenever possible."

Mustefa El Mûsa commented on the ongoing violations and crimes in Afrin, despite the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Damascus government. He said, "Without international guarantees and ensuring the safety of the people, returning to Afrin and Shehba is not possible."

Nûrî Toran, describing the humanitarian situation in the camps, explained that children often fall ill due to the hot weather, and storms with strong winds sometimes destroy the tents, adding to the hardships faced by the IDPs.

The camp has a medical center that treats more than 30 sick children daily. Most cases involve diarrhea, high fever caused by sunstroke, and scorpion stings. On the other hand, contaminated water causes skin diseases. There are also cases that require those affected to be taken to the hospital immediately.

Toran emphasized that, even under these conditions, the IDPs remain determined in their insistence on security for their return and safety in Afrin, saying, "Either a safe and dignified place, or tents where we hold our heads high with dignity."

Rozelîn Ehmed, Co-Chair of the Tabqa Sports Complex Camp Administration, stated, "We have taken measures for the summer. Fans have been provided, and the hours of electricity supply to the camp have been extended. However, this is not enough. The tents are rotting away and need to be replaced."

Rozelîn Ehmed added that there is also a need for pest control against scorpions, snakes, and sewage, as the contaminated water continues to cause illnesses.