Report | SOHR highlights educational, living and relief situations in Al-Raqqah city, the former de facto capital of “Caliphate State”
During the Islamic State control of Al-Raqqah city between 2014 and 2017, the name of the city, which is overlooking Euphrates river in north-east Syria to the east of Aleppo, paired with the organization. It is worth noting that the population of Al-Raqqah city and the refugee camps in the area now approximates 300,000 people.
UN sources have confirmed that the population of Al-Raqqah city had exceeded 500,000 people, most of whom were displaced to other areas in and outside Syria fleeing from ISIS. The resources of Al-Raqqah city represent in farming and nearby oil fields and related services.
SOHR sources have refuted the reports circulated by several bodies regarding the “poor living conditions in Al-Raqqah city in light of lack of support by international organizations and provision of essential products”. SOHR sources confirm that the number of active international and local organizations in the city approximate 130.
Reliable SOHR sources in Al-Raqqah city have confirmed that the humanitarian organizations provide cash assistance of 250 USD to every family, while the World Food Programme and “Al-Mawaddah” organization provide over 25 food baskets to the city and countryside as well as assistance by other organizations.
On the other hand, Al-Raqqah Civil Council provides 10,000 job opportunities in its commissions assassinations as well as the employees in local and international organizations in Al-Raqqah.
It is worth noting that the average salaries in official departments have reached 200,000 SYL a month, while organizations operating in Al-Raqqah providing 250 to 1,000 USD, as well as the support provided by the Children’s Protection Bureau which undertakes special and humanitarian cases. Besides, the Women Commission carries out developmental projects directed to women, including dressmaking, agricultural and craft occupations, and grants donations for women, including sewing machines, plastic tents and helping tools.
SOHR sources have reported that nearly 391 schools and academies for training teachers have been opened in the city, while the teachers and teaching staff have reached 6,000, while the number of students have reached 170,000. Also, 14 institutes serve students in medium and high schools.
It is worth noting that there are 39 refugee camps in Al-Raqqah city, accommodating displaced people from Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Afrin, Deir Ezzor and Idlib, under the supervision of Al-Raqqah Civil Council and other organizations which meet the requirements of these camps’ inhabitants and provide job opportunities and services to them.