Thousands of students deprived of education amid Serekaniye Camp school closures

The suffering of around 2,000 displaced families in Serekaniye is worsening due to delays in the return convoys, despite assurances that they would resume. The closure of schools in the camp has deprived thousands of children and students of continuing their education, while humanitarian and relief assistance provided to residents has declined, further worsening their conditions as winter approaches.

In this context, Serekaniye Camp Co-Chair Abdul Razzaq Mohammed said, “Fifty-three families from the camp, around 300 people, returned to their areas as part of the first convoy, while the second convoy included 677 families from the camp, around 4,527 people. The launch of the convoys gave the displaced hope of returning to their homes after years of displacement and suffering.”

Mohammed explained that “around 2,000 families remain in the camp. Following the launch of the convoys and assurances that they would continue, the Education Directorate closed the schools and moved their contents. However, the convoys are currently suspended, with no date set for the third convoy and no explanation given for the halt.”

He added that the closure of schools represents one of the main problems facing the displaced, depriving thousands of children and students of continuing their education. This comes alongside a decline in relief assistance provided by humanitarian organizations to camp residents, further worsening their conditions as winter approaches.

Mohammed called on the authorities responsible for the displaced persons’ return to resume the convoys and accelerate the return of families to their areas before winter, allowing them to repair or rebuild their homes.

He also called for students to return to schools and for the educational process to resume. He further urged authorities to secure the areas to which the displaced are returning and ensure their dignified return to their homes and villages, seven years after their displacement.

The return convoys had been expected to continue successively following the departure of the first and second convoys. However, no date has yet been set for the third convoy, leaving the displaced awaiting the resumption and acceleration of the return process.

a.k

ANHA