Published : 22-11-2020
Residents of Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian refugees, in Damascus, said their property and homes have been subjected to ongoing theft and burglary.
Eye-witnesses said they have caught sight of flocks of vehicles laden with belongings stolen from abandoned buildings in the camp.
Over recent years, pro-government militias have been raking through evacuated homes in Yarmouk and holding sway over furniture, copper, iron, and kitchenware belonging to displaced families.
Reports of theft have emerged after Syrian government forces grabbed hold of the camp and burglarized civilian homes.
At the same time, Palestinian families displaced from Yarmouk Camp continue to call on the concerned authorities to allow them a safe return to their homes and to press ahead with reconstruction projects.
The refugees have slammed the reluctance maintained by local authorities in Damascus regarding their appeals to rehabilitate infrastructure and allow them to safely return to the camp.
A number of activists have also warned of ongoing attempts to alter the demographic character of the camp and blur its identity as a living witness to the Palestinian refugee plight.
The residents continue to express their willingness for voluntary work and for active contribution to reconstruction works.
Last year, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) published the results of an assessment of the damage to Syrian cities caused by seven years of relentless bombardment by the incumbent regime and its allies since 2011.
The analysis found out that as many as 5,489 buildings were destroyed in Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian refugees. The damage atlas used satellite-detected damage analysis to identify buildings that are either destroyed, or severely or moderately damaged.
The Syrian government forces regained control over Yarmouk Camp and southern Damascus towns following a 33-day military operation launched in April 2018. Dozens of civilians were killed and dozens more injured in the offensive. Over 60% of buildings have gone either totally or partially destroyed in the warfare.
Residents of Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian refugees, in Damascus, said their property and homes have been subjected to ongoing theft and burglary.
Eye-witnesses said they have caught sight of flocks of vehicles laden with belongings stolen from abandoned buildings in the camp.
Over recent years, pro-government militias have been raking through evacuated homes in Yarmouk and holding sway over furniture, copper, iron, and kitchenware belonging to displaced families.
Reports of theft have emerged after Syrian government forces grabbed hold of the camp and burglarized civilian homes.
At the same time, Palestinian families displaced from Yarmouk Camp continue to call on the concerned authorities to allow them a safe return to their homes and to press ahead with reconstruction projects.
The refugees have slammed the reluctance maintained by local authorities in Damascus regarding their appeals to rehabilitate infrastructure and allow them to safely return to the camp.
A number of activists have also warned of ongoing attempts to alter the demographic character of the camp and blur its identity as a living witness to the Palestinian refugee plight.
The residents continue to express their willingness for voluntary work and for active contribution to reconstruction works.
Last year, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) published the results of an assessment of the damage to Syrian cities caused by seven years of relentless bombardment by the incumbent regime and its allies since 2011.
The analysis found out that as many as 5,489 buildings were destroyed in Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian refugees. The damage atlas used satellite-detected damage analysis to identify buildings that are either destroyed, or severely or moderately damaged.
The Syrian government forces regained control over Yarmouk Camp and southern Damascus towns following a 33-day military operation launched in April 2018. Dozens of civilians were killed and dozens more injured in the offensive. Over 60% of buildings have gone either totally or partially destroyed in the warfare.
