NEWS CENTER – Due to the embargo imposed by Iraq on Makhmur (Mexmur) Camp, patients are unable to access medical treatment, and students are deprived of resources. Camp officials have called for the embargo to be lifted.

 

The Iraqi government’s embargo on Makhmur Camp, home to 12,000 people under United Nations (UN) protection, has been ongoing for years. Since April 10, the embargo has intensified.

 

Restrictions such as non-renewal of identity cards, banning construction materials, and limiting exits from the camp have deepened the humanitarian crisis. Political disagreements are cited as the main reason for the embargo. 

 

The Iraqi government insists on controlling the camp, while residents emphasize the embargo’s humanitarian toll. Due to the embargo, there are shortages of medicines and medical supplies, alongside worsening educational infrastructure and limited resources. The camp residents have called for humanitarian aid to be released.

 

Nuran Sezgin, Co-Spokesperson of the Makhmur Health Committee, and Helin Kara, Co-Spokesperson of the Education Committee, spoke about the problems in healthcare and education caused by the embargo.

 

OVER ONE THOUSAND CHRONIC PATIENTS

 

Nuran Sezgin highlighted the difficulties faced by cancer patients, many of whom lost their lives: "Since the incident in Hewlêr on July 19, 2019, Makhmur camp has been under blockade. This blockade is still ongoing and was intensified from April 10. The health sector is the most affected. A survey in October 2023 found 1,050 chronic patients, mostly with hypertension, diabetes, kidney, and asthma issues. There are also 31 cancer patients who face significant difficulties accessing treatment. Many had begun treatment but could not continue due to the embargo. Some lost their lives, and many pregnancies ended in miscarriage. These tragedies happened in front of the world’s eyes."

 

PATIENTS CAN’T ACCESS MEDICATION AND TREATMENT

 

Nuran Sezgin emphasized the severe difficulties in obtaining medicine, stating: "Those who claim to defend human rights and democracy and view Makhmur as the focal point of resistance have not seriously reacted to this embargo, which we live inside of. Travel, patient transfer, and medicine imports are banned. Getting medicine into the camp is a major challenge. The UN, responsible for the camp’s health, education, and security, has not addressed the problems even once. Drones constantly fly over the camp, affecting people’s mental health. Why aren’t patient treatments allowed? Why aren’t medicines delivered? Our most legitimate rights are being taken away."

 

‘STUDENTS WANT TO CONTINUE SCHOOL’

 

Regarding education, Helin Kara reported serious problems: "For six years, residents have been barred from entering the Kurdistan Region. The camp is suffering economically, educationally, and health-wise. Although there have been some efforts, no progress has been made, and a deadlock remains. We have applied many times to the central Iraqi government to establish social, economic, and educational relations. Students want to continue their education."

 

‘WE CAN’T MEET THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS’

 

Helin Kara underlined the urgency to resolve the issues: "We are on summer break but cannot meet school needs, which is challenging because the new term requires preparation. We call for the freedom to travel and access to resources. Education and health are fundamental rights everywhere and must be addressed."

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut