cover of episode The Refugees Trapped in a Corner of Syria, Now Free

The Refugees Trapped in a Corner of Syria, Now Free

2024/12/23
logo of podcast State of the World from NPR

State of the World from NPR
People
A
Abu Mohamed Khadr
A
Afaf Abu Muhammad
F
Fawaz Taleb
G
Greg Dixon
H
Hadi Fala
J
Jane Araf
K
Khother
M
Moaz Mustafa
O
Obeida Arnault
Z
Zahra
Topics
Greg Dixon: 本期节目关注叙利亚Rukban难民营，该难民营位于叙利亚东南部靠近约旦边境的一个偏远地区。在叙利亚政权垮台后，困在难民营九年的七千名难民终于可以自由离开，但许多人仍然无法离开。 Jane Araf对难民营进行了实地报道，揭示了难民们在恶劣环境下的生活状况。难民营位于沙漠地区，条件极其恶劣，缺乏水源、遮阳设施，常年刮风。许多孩子从未见过树木和水果，医疗资源匮乏，许多人死于不明原因。 在叙利亚政权垮台之前，难民营与外界隔绝，营内居民曾参与反对派武装，营地周围布雷，道路被封锁。美国军方在附近设立基地，并在一定程度上提供了医疗物资和医疗服务，但并未允许记者进入。约旦政府出于安全考虑，自2016年以来一直禁止援助物资进入难民营。 Moaz Mustafa，一位活动家和美国组织叙利亚紧急救援队的负责人，帮助难民营获得了外部援助，并促成了记者的进入。 难民营居民用当地的粘土建造房屋，以适应恶劣的环境。他们依靠走私或少量救济维持生计，生活物资匮乏。由于缺乏医疗资源，许多人无法得到及时的治疗。 难民营有一所由Mustafa的组织资助的学校，但学校的条件也十分简陋。孩子们用双手粉刷墙壁，教室是用粘土建造的。 尽管生活条件极其恶劣，但难民们仍然没有放弃希望，他们渴望回家，但需要资金来租车。 Jane Araf: 详细描述了Rukban难民营的恶劣环境和居民的艰难生活，包括缺乏医疗资源、食物短缺、住房简陋等问题。她采访了多位难民，了解了他们的经历和感受，并报道了他们对未来的希望和担忧。她还报道了美国军方和约旦政府在援助难民营方面所扮演的角色。 Moaz Mustafa: 叙利亚紧急救援队的负责人，他为难民营争取到了外部援助，并促成了记者的进入。他详细介绍了救援队的努力和取得的成果，以及难民营居民的困境和需求。 Abu Mohamed Khadr: 难民营药房负责人，他介绍了药房的药品来源和供应情况，以及难民们获得医疗服务的途径。 Khother: 难民营居民，他讲述了他们如何用当地的粘土建造房屋，以及他们对未来生活的希望。 Afaf Abu Muhammad: 难民营居民，她讲述了她的女儿出生时患有脊柱缺陷，无法得到治疗的经历。 Fawaz Taleb: 难民营居民，他讲述了他们冬天只能烧塑料袋和轮胎取暖，这导致孩子们容易患上呼吸道疾病的经历。 Zahra: 难民营学校的学生，她讲述了学校的简陋条件，以及孩子们在学校学习和生活的情况。 Hadi Fala: 一位成功离开难民营的居民，他表达了对自由的渴望和对回家的喜悦。 Obeida Arnault: 叙利亚临时外交部官员，他表达了对家乡的思念和对未来的希望。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why were the refugees in Rukban camp trapped for nine years?

They were hemmed in by ISIS and Syrian regime forces, with Jordan sealing its border, leaving them isolated and unable to leave.

What challenges did the residents of Rukban camp face during their time there?

They endured harsh desert conditions with no water, shade, or medical care. Many children were born and died there without proper healthcare. They survived on limited food supplies and faced dangers like snakes, scorpions, and landmines.

How did the U.S. military contribute to the camp's survival?

The U.S. military established a base nearby and, after initial reluctance, began providing medical supplies, doctors, and aid distribution, helping to sustain the community.

What role did the Syrian Emergency Task Force play in Rukban camp?

The organization, led by Moaz Mustafa, funded a pharmacy, school, and other essential services. They also conducted a census and held elections, providing some semblance of normalcy in the camp.

What are the living conditions like in Rukban camp?

Residents built homes from clay bricks due to the harsh environment. They relied on limited food supplies, often dried bread, lentils, and rice. Medical care was almost non-existent, and many children suffered from health issues due to the conditions.

What is the current situation for the residents of Rukban camp now that the regime has fallen?

While they are no longer trapped, many still face challenges in leaving. They need financial assistance to rent trucks and return home, but some families have already begun the journey back to their hometowns.

What was the emotional impact of being trapped in Rukban camp?

Residents expressed profound joy at their newfound freedom, with one man exclaiming, 'There is nothing more beautiful than freedom.' Despite the hardships, they remained resilient, hoping for a better future.

Chapters
This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by journalists and aid organizations in accessing Rukban camp, the role of the U.S. military in providing aid, and the efforts by Moaz Mustafa's organization to support the community.
  • Challenges of journalist access to Rukban
  • Role of US military in providing aid
  • Efforts of Moaz Mustafa's organization
  • Establishment of a pharmacy and school in the camp

Shownotes Transcript

In a remote corner of southeastern Syria near the border with Jordan, some 7,000 people have been trapped in a refugee camp for more than nine years. They had fled Syrian regime forces and ISIS attacks and had nowhere else they could go. Our reporter is the first person to visit the camp and learns what the future of the residents looks like now that the regime has fallen. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)