Interview with  Mr. Babakir

Zherawa Tent Camp, April 13,2009
Christian Peacemaker Teams: Michele Naar-Obed, Craig Kite, Chihchun Yaun

Mr. Babakir was a resident in the Lower Razga Village. He raised cows and grew fruit trees and vegetables that were sold at the local market.

Mr. Babakir and his wife and 9 children lived in Razga until some time in 2008. They left during a spate of heavy shelling by Iran. He stated that Turkey was bombing at this time as well.

The family thought that the bombing and shelling might stop in a few days so they fled to a nearby cave. During this time, Mr. Babakir's wife gave birth to their baby girl Rokhsar in the cave.

The attacks continued longer so the family fled to the first Zherawa tent camp along the river. Mr. Babakir was forced to sell four of his cows and their calves for a price equivalent to one cow. Mr. Babakir reported that many families fled the village and most left their animals behind. The animals were later attacked and killed by wild animals. Many of the trees died during the 2008 drought. People were not able to go back to water them because of the increased attacks throughout the year. The last time Mr. Babakir was at his village was in the July 2008 when shelling stopped for 40 days. Others returned with him and one person was injured and livestock killed while fleeing when shelling started again.

Mr. Babakir did not go back to his village in February 2009 after Iran announced its agreement to stop attacking villages, only to resume again in March. He did not believe they would stop. He continues to rent a house in Zherawa for his younger children so they can finish school. He cannot pay the rent, which is only 15,000 Iraqi dinar a month ($13), for the 2 rooms. His brother pays it. 9 family members live there. When school is finished the whole family will live at the tent camp.

Mr. Babakir stated that he was never very rich but when he was living in the village, life was good. He told us now, in this camp, even the rich people have nothing. There is no work for anyone. What people had is being exhausted.

Mr. Babakir said that he would not return to his village unless there was a guarantee from the international community that the bombing and shelling would stop. He also said that he needs compensation for his losses.