IDPs from the occupied Afrin-Shehba Canton have called for a safe and dignified return to their homeland on the first anniversary of their expulsion. In simultaneous statements in several cities in the autonomous region of North and East Syria, they criticized the ongoing occupation by Turkey and its allied militias, as well as the accompanying human rights violations, expulsions, and expropriations.
Simultaneously, demonstrations took place in Kobanê, Hesekê, Tirbespiyê, Raqqa, Tabqa, and Aleppo to commemorate the invasion of Afrin-Shehba by Turkish-jihadist occupation forces. In addition to displaced persons, representatives of women’s organizations, civil society initiatives, and political parties also took part in the rallies.
The statements condemned the policy of violent expulsion, targeted demographic change, and expropriation of private property by the Turkish army and Islamists operating under its command. Several speakers called for the return of confiscated houses and land, and an immediate end to military violence against civilian settlements.
Right of return, international control, security
The IDPs demanded the unconditional right to a safe and dignified return to their regions of origin under international supervision and protection. They also called for effective measures to prevent further violence and restore basic civil rights.
Particular criticism was directed at the failure to implement the so-called March 10 agreement between the self-proclaimed Syrian transitional government and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, which was considered the basis for a possible return. Failure to comply with this agreement further undermines confidence in political processes, demonstrators said. In several statements, the agreement was described as “hope for the return of the displaced” – a glimmer of hope that has not yet been realized.
Obstructions to return, precarious living conditions
Several reports indicated that individual families were only able to return to their villages after paying sums of between US$2,000 and US$5,000. Arbitrary arrests continue to occur at checkpoints. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of refugees continue to live in camps, some of which have precarious humanitarian conditions. The organizers called on the international community, the United Nations (UN), and human rights organizations to document human rights violations, put pressure on those responsible, and create the conditions for a safe return. The refugees also emphasized their trust in the security structures of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which they believe could guarantee a safe return, provided that the political conditions and international monitoring are in place.