AANES launches initiative for Al-Hol refugees return, demands for return of Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, Girê Spî IDPs

In a significant humanitarian step, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has announced a new initiative to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees in Al-Hol Camp to their original areas, affirming its commitment to providing the necessary facilities for this process. Additionally, it has called for international guarantees to enable forcibly displaced persons from Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî to return safely to their homes amid ongoing changes in the Syrian landscape.

23 January, 2025 12:10

HASAKA

The Autonomous Administration's Social Affairs and Labor Body, along with the Office of Displaced Persons and Refugee Affairs, issued a public statement today, Thursday, regarding the voluntary return of camp residents in North and East Syria, including Al-Hol Camp.

The statement was read in Kurdish by Sheikhmous Ahmed, the head of the Office of Displaced Persons and Refugee Affairs in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and in Arabic by Maryam Ibrahim, the co-chair of the Social Affairs and Labor Body.

The statement emphasized that with the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, Syria has entered a new phase, bringing urgent humanitarian issues to the forefront. One of the most burdensome issues for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has been the situation of displaced persons and refugees.

It continued: "Today, as the country enters a new phase, we announce that Syrian citizens residing in Al-Hol Camp are now given the opportunity to voluntarily return to their original places of residence."

The statement pointed out that this decision had been made previously, as the Autonomous Administration issued a resolution on October 5, 2020, allowing Syrians to return. However, families residing in Al-Hol Camp feared returning due to the presence of the Assad regime. It added: "With the fall of the regime, there is no longer a reason for fear or for staying in the camp. We will provide all necessary facilities and arrange transportation for families wishing to return."

The statement urged international humanitarian organizations to assist Syrian citizens who moved to North and East Syria due to the war and are currently residing in Al-Areesha, Mahmoudli, Twaihineh, and Abu Khashab camps.

It also stressed the need for the United Nations and the international community to take a firm stance on the issue of displaced persons from Afrin, Girê Spî/Tal Abyad, and Serê Kaniyê/Ras al-Ain to ensure their safe return with UN-backed guarantees for their protection.

The statement concluded: "We in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria remain committed to our humanitarian and ethical responsibilities regarding displaced persons and refugees. We reaffirm the right to voluntary and safe return with international and UN guarantees, ensuring the necessary protection for them."

A-H

ANHA