In a recent report released by the Hengaw Human Rights Organization, alarming statistics have shed light on the “devastating” situation faced by Kurdish Kolbars along the borders of Iran.
The data from March 2024 reveals a reality, with at least 91 Kolbars falling victim to fatal shootings and injuries, marking a distressing 34% increase compared to the previous month.
Among the tragic incidents documented, 66% involved direct gunfire from Iranian armed forces, resulting in the loss of lives and severe injuries. The toll includes 13 Kolbars and local tradesmen losing their lives, with 78 others left wounded in the wake of these brutal encounters.
In a particularly somber case, a child Kolbar named Hastiar Andulkarimi from Divandarre city in Kurdistan province succumbed to frostbite, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by these vulnerable individuals. The report highlighted five other child Kolbars who were injured by direct gunfire at the perilous borders of Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces.
The breakdown of the causes of death and injury paints a grim picture, reflecting the dangers that Kolbars confront on a daily basis. Direct shootings accounted for the majority of incidents at 66%, followed by mountain falls at 17.5%, underscoring the treacherous terrain they navigate in pursuit of their livelihood.
The province of Kurdistan (Sanandaj) bore the brunt of the tragedy, with 44 documented cases of Kolbars facing fatal outcomes or injuries, making it a hotspot for such incidents.
The casualties extended to other regions as well, with Kermanshah province reporting 42 cases and West Azerbaijan (Urmia province) registering 5 cases, each marked by losses and injuries.
