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Observer

Feb 14th - 2 Min Read

Aid Discrimination against Kurds in the Aftermath of the Earthquake

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Up to 5 millions are displaced & almost 1 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid in the aftermath of last week’s earthquake hitting Turkey & Syria due to the shifting pressure of Arabian Peninsula on the Anatolian plateau. The natural disaster has not been the only reason for such catastrophe, insufficient aid management and discrimination in distribution is another reason for people’s suffering. According to the records, the Kurdish populated areas have not been provided with humanitarian aid & rescue teams & private organizations are less present  in the Kurdish populated regions.


Abandonment by the central authorities and lack of adequate resources for disaster response can have serious consequences for affected communities. Local residents and organizations try to help and give support to the people. However, without proper training, equipment, and support, these efforts may not be enough to address the full extent of the disaster and its aftermath. In addition, the occurring crises have caused damage to several historical and cultural sites, including Diyarbakir Fortress, a recognized World Heritage site, and the nearby Hevsel Gardens. Cultural heritage damage is a cause for concern, as it not only represents the loss of human history but also affects the local economy through cultural tourism. International organizations, such as UNESCO, seek  to protect and preserve cultural heritage, but it can be difficult in areas where the central government enforces discriminatory policies.


Another point  that needs to be stressed on is the poor construction of some buildings in Turkey and Syria, which is a product of institutional corruption . As an example, during President Erdogan's tenure, Turkey experienced a significant construction boom, which had a significant impact on the country's economy. Nevertheless, this boom was often criticized for being characterized by the  lack of competitive tenders and proper regulatory oversight, which led to allegations of corruption and cronyism. Many infrastructure projects were given to a  small group of close associates from the construction sector without strict supervision, and this resulted in numerous buildings being weakly constructed .