2 protests held in Suwayda demanding displaced residents' return, protection of right to education

The southern Syrian city of Suwayda witnessed two separate protests on Monday, with one focused on the return of displaced residents to their villages and the other calling for measures to protect students' right to education through an extraordinary examination session within the governorate.

In the first protest, dozens of people displaced from villages in western Suwayda countryside gathered at the Municipal Stadium Roundabout in the city center, demanding their safe and immediate return to the areas they fled in July last year.

The protesters called for solutions that would enable residents to return to their homes and villages, while expressing opposition to any escalation that could worsen the humanitarian situation or prolong their displacement. They also urged authorities to postpone a five-day deadline for retaking the villages through military means, arguing that allowing more time for dialogue and peaceful efforts could help prevent further losses and create conditions conducive to the safe return of residents.

The demonstrations come amid growing concerns among displaced residents over the continued deterioration of their living and humanitarian conditions, with protesters calling on the relevant authorities to take urgent measures to protect civilians and prevent further displacement.

In a separate development, a group of teachers and education advocates staged a silent protest in the city under the slogan "It Is Our Right to Learn," calling for an extraordinary examination session to be held in Suwayda.

Participants said their action was intended to safeguard students' right to continue their education, urging the Ministry of Education to organize the extraordinary examination session with the participation of international organizations to ensure official recognition of the certificates issued through the process.

Teacher Maysoun Abo Ammar said the protest was organized to defend the right to education and to find solutions that would allow students to sit their examinations within Suwayda Governorate. Meanwhile, social studies teacher Ghanwa Abo Hassoun said the demonstration was educational and peaceful in nature, aimed at highlighting the importance of ensuring equal access to education for all students.

The two protests reflect broader humanitarian and public service demands voiced by residents of Suwayda as the governorate continues to face security and social challenges.

ANHA