HADEEL Al-OMAR

Idlib- Displaced women in northern Syria face many difficulties and many forms of oppression in IDPs camps. This situation becomes more tragic for people with special needs. Displaced women with Down syndrome face many difficulties due to poor conditions in IDPs camps without any healthcare services and support.

 14-year-old Rawaa Al-Bakro is a girl with Down Syndrome, living in one of the IDPs camps, located in the city of Idlib, northern Syria. Loneliness and social isolation are experiences she faces in her everyday life. “Even though my daughter has Down syndrome, she is smart and sensitive,” said her mother, Maryam Al-Bakro. “She wants to have a normal life like other girls. However, individuals with Down syndrome are seen as disabled by our society and they are subjected to insults by people. Of course, I am affected by the situation suffered by my daughter. My daughter has a beautiful name, but she is called names that hurt her feelings. This situation psychologically affects my daughter.”

‘Individuals with Down syndrome need special education’

11-year-old Aseel Al-Bahbouh, who has Down syndrome, often sits alone in a corner because children do not want to play with her. Living in an IDPs camp located in the town of Sarmada, She always smiles and remains calm. She found an old notebook while walking around the camp. While playing with her cat, she draws flowers.

In an interview with NuJINHA, psychologist Wafaa Al-Taweel pointed out that women and girls with Down syndrome were subjected to sexual violence. “They are also deprived of healthcare services. They have no opportunity to receive education or participate in society. Women and girls with Down syndrome feel happy when they are loved and they need special education to integrate into society. Individuals with Down syndrome have high IQ and they are creative in art and science. However, they face many difficulties in the forgotten camps of Idlib.”

‘Social awareness should be raised’

Wafaa Al-Taweel thinks that the living conditions of individuals with Down syndrome should be improved by providing care, support, and healthcare services to them. “For instance, they need special schools so that they can integrate into society. Social awareness should be raised.”