Residents of the Makhmur refugee camp, who had to abandon the camp as a result of ISIS gang attacks and took refuge in areas such as Hewler, Kirkuk, Zakho, Duhok and Rania, have begun to return to the camp, despite security concerns, due to the hardships they are suffering.

The residents of the Makhmur refugee camp were forced to abandon the camp on 6 August on account of the ISIS threat. Camp residents who took refuge in the Rania area were accommodated in mosques and schools. Camp residents in Rania said that despite all their efforts the South Kurdistan government had not given them a new site for a camp, and were therefore, in spite of the security problems, returning to the Makhmur camp. The return began on 6 September.

Residents who have returned to the camp said: “If the Southern government had given an alternative site we wouldn't have had to come back.” They added that they had lived for years under harsh conditions, saying: “Just as in 1994 no one except the PKK took ownership of us, it is only the PKK which is supporting us today. The government did not keep its promise. Despite the risks we had to come back.”

Camp resident Akif Biliki called on the Kurdish people to strengthen their unity and step up the resistance, adding: “For a few years they have talked of the Arab Spring. This is the Kurdish Spring. I call on all honourable Kurds. Do not remain silent.”
 
Shortage of drinking water

While the residents continue to return, there are urgent problems awaiting a solution in addition to security. Camp councillor Sultan Gondikramo told ANF that the biggest problem in the camp was that of drinking water, adding:

”After the ISIS gangs were entirely removed from the town of Makhmur we municipal workers began our work in a partial way. We carried out a clean-up for 4 days. In general there is a problem of drinking water. Immediately after ISIS captured Mosul, the water supply to the camp was cut. This problem is continuing and additionally food has not been supplied to the camp for around 5 months.”

Gondikramo added that as a municipality they were trying to resolve the shortages of food and water, but called on the regional government to help them.

Appeal to UNHCR and people for support

Another problem in the camp is the schools set up by the camp residents over a 20-year period. It is unlikely the schools will open in time for the new school year. Gondikramo said: "the students will lose a year's education, but no one seems to care," adding that they also needed assistance in order to reopen the schools.

Sultan Gondikramo said they were also worried that the returning residents would face health problems. “We want to live all together in the same place, as before. We therefore call on our people to assist the people on the Makhmur refugee camp. The UNHCR should also support these people.”