The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) issued a written statement on the anniversary of the occupation of the Afrin-Shehba Canton. DAANES denounced the forced displacement experienced by the people of the region, the ongoing violations by armed groups, and the obstruction of safe return.
The DAANES statement on Monday includes the following:
“A year has passed since the forced displacement of the people of Afrin and Shehba, during which hundreds of thousands of our people were compelled to leave their homes and move to the regions of North and East Syria on December 2, 2024.
Since the occupation of Afrin and Shehba in 2018, the people there have been subjected to a series of systematic attacks and violations. Armed factions have carried out all forms of restrictions, assaults, displacement, and seizure of property, in blatant violation of human values and international conventions. These violations continue to this day, amid the temporary Syrian authority’s inability, or tacit consent, to control these factions, leaving the suffering of our people as an open wound that has yet to heal.
Despite all the changes in the Syrian arena following the fall of the Baathist regime, the people of Afrin, Shehba, Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain), Girê Spi (Tal Abyad), and other Syrian areas have still not been allowed to return safely to their homes, farms, and cities. This reality requires urgent national and international action to guarantee the right of return, stop violations, and ensure a dignified life for all Syrians.
The Democratic Autonomous Administration affirms that it places the issue of displaced people at the forefront of its priorities and continuously raises it in meetings with political, societal, and international actors, considering it a central issue without which peace and stability in Syria cannot be achieved. Safe return, the end of occupation, and the cessation of violations are essential conditions for rebuilding trust among the Syrian people. We call on the international community, its organizations, institutions, and states with influence on the Syrian file to create suitable conditions for the safe return of forcibly displaced people to their homes.
In addition, we are witnessing today the intensification of hate speech, sectarianism, and incitement to violence, fueled by media platforms and political rhetoric during demonstrations, which take place in full view of the transitional authorities in Damascus. This rhetoric feeds hatred and discord among the components of the Syrian people, obstructing any project to build a new Syria based on democracy, social justice, and coexistence. Continuing this approach serves only the enemies of peace and prolongs the crisis, further fragmenting the Syrian people. Therefore, the transitional authority in Damascus must take a clear stance against this incitement and hate speech, and hold accountable all those participating in actions that hinder the reunification of Syrians.
In conclusion, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria affirms that achieving the goals of the Syrian revolution begins with ensuring the safe return of displaced people to their homes and opening the door for genuine Syrian-Syrian dialogue, free from exclusion and marginalization, ultimately leading to the construction of a decentralized democratic Syria that guarantees the rights of all its citizens without exception.
Glory to the steadfastness of our people… and freedom and dignity for all Syrians.”