The report of Save the Children found that Syrian cities once controlled by ISIL still lack clean water, electricity and schools.

Four years later war A report by Save the Children found that in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, children and families are still living in damaged houses, with severely limited access to clean water, electricity and education.

Raqqa was once the self-styled “capital” of the Islamic State of Syria (ISIS). In 2017, it was subjected to a fierce air and ground offensive by the coalition led by the United States to defeat the organization and control the city.

According to a report released on Tuesday, at the height of the bombing activity, the city faced 150 air strikes every day, causing huge damage to infrastructure and buildings, many of which are still in ruins.

“During drought, pandemics and the economic crisis within Syria, children in Raqqa and their families live in a destroyed city every day, with limited options,” Sonia Khush, Director of Syrian Response, Save the Children ) Say.

The report estimates that at least 36% of the city’s buildings are still destroyed. The drought in northeastern Syria has also triggered a public health crisis, with reports of an increase in water-borne diseases and challenges in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Although thousands of people have moved back to the city, three-quarters of Raqqa’s population rely on aid to buy food and other basic goods and services.

Aida* is a widow and mother of four. She and her children live in a severely damaged house without running water or electricity.

The 27-year-old girl who fled Aleppo nine years ago was afraid to let her children play outside.

“When my children go out, I will be scared because they may be injured, so I will not let them out,” she told Save the Children.

“There is a destroyed building here, I’m afraid there will be something [like a landmine] Down. You will never know. I keep them away from it. “

Pigeons of 50-year-old Syrian Abdulhamid Hana fly over damaged houses in Raqqa, Syria [File: Delil Soulemani/AFP]

According to Save the Children, the conflict and its aftermath destroyed Raqqa’s education sector and 80% of the city’s schools were destroyed.

Kush said that although the ten-year war has brought a mental health crisis to children and their families, children in Raqqa cannot enjoy basic activities or access services such as play or education, in order to “find the joy of life and do well for the future.” Prepare”.

She said: “Even if you just sit in the rubble at home and do nothing, children are at risk of injury and death.”

Hush called on the international community, especially members of the anti-ISIL coalition to take a “substantial humanitarian response.”

“They have a responsibility to subsequently resolve the consequences of their military operations,” she said.

“It is vital that they and all humanitarian donors step up their efforts to ensure that basic services are restored and provide opportunities to give children a chance to have a brighter future after experiencing the course of the Syrian conflict.”

* Name has been changed