FACT SHEET

18.01.2016

The so-called curfews, which are in fact blockades, are currently in effect in the districts of Cizre, Silopi and Sur. To this date, 56 curfews have been declared for a total of 305 days in seven cities, affecting tens of neighborhoods in 20 districts. It is reported that the blockades are still in effect in those districts where the bans have been officially lifted. The current situation in these three districts are as follows:

  • A total of five curfews have been declared in CİZRE. The last curfew was declared on 14.12.2015. During the past 35 days of the ongoing blockade 55 people lost their lives. Atotal of 87 people lost their lives in Cizre since July 2015.
  • A total of two curfews have been declared in SİLOPİ. The last curfew was declared on 14.12.15. During the past 35 days of the ongoing blockade 27 people lost their lives. A total of 41 people lost their lives in Silopi since July 2015.
  • A total of six curfews have been declared in SUR. The last curfew was declared on 02.12.2015. During the past 47 days of the ongoing blockade 16 people lost their lives. A total of 21 people lost their lives in Sur since July 2015.
  • To this date, 180 citizens, 32 of whom were women, lost their lives under blockades.
  • During the past month following the blockades 98 civilians lost their lives in Cizre, Silopi and Sur where the blockades are still in effect.
  • The wounded, whose rights to medical care were obstructed, lost their lives because medical intervention could not be performed on time.
  • Access to basic necessities of life was obstructed through electricity and water cut-offs.
  • The right to communication was obstructed when the GSM operators cut-off access to service.
  • Children’s rights to education were obstructed.
  • The historic mosques, churches and settlements were destroyed by air bombardments in the Sur neighborhood, a world heritage site.
  • People were forced to migrate and have been displaced.
  • All leaves for medical doctors were suspended; all logistics personnel were put on alert.
  • Student dormitories were evacuated and used by security personnel instead of the students.
  • The teachers were hastily evacuated from the areas where curfews were or would be declared.
  • The entries to and exits from these districts are being obstructed by the military and police.
  • Military equipment and military/police personnel dispatches to the region is at a maximum level and continuous.
  • These basic human rights violations have been confirmed by various human rights organizations, medical boards, local sources and the free press.