Afrin displaced: It is impossible to talk about real peace as long as Turkey occupies our land

The presence of the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries in northern Syria constitutes a significant and fundamental obstacle to the overall instability of the country, in addition to being the main barrier to the return of the displaced to their homes.

Suzan Zenob, displaced from the city of Afrin and living in one of the shelters in the Tabqa canton, said: "The Turkish occupation has brought chaos and given the mercenaries the green light to loot, kidnap, and oppress the original inhabitants. There can be no talk of real peace as long as Turkey occupies our land and prevents us from returning."

As for Roshin Omar, one of the displaced from the Afrin and Shahba cantons, she explained: "Our houses in Afrin are under the control of factions loyal to Turkey, and we don't know who lives in them now, nor do we have any means to communicate or claim our rights. We are treated as strangers in our own homeland, and just the thought of returning is met with fear, because we hear daily about arbitrary arrests, looting, and theft."

Roshin Omar called on international organizations and human rights bodies to take serious action, saying: "We want nothing more than to return to our homes and live with dignity away from oppression, marginalization, and displacement."

For his part, Suleiman Rasho, who is among the displaced from the city of Janders, asserts that "the Turkish occupation is the primary reason for the continued tension and instability in Syria, and any talk of an agreement or political settlement will be an illusion if the Turkish presence and its affiliated factions are not ended."

Rasho pointed out that international conferences and peace initiatives are not enough to end the suffering of the displaced who live in tents without any hope of returning soon, adding: "We want international guarantees, we want the criminals to be held accountable, and we want to return without fear."

The displaced people from the Afrin and Shahba cantons share in the pain and longing, demanding to return to their homes under legal protection that guarantees their safety and dignity. While the Turkish occupation continues to impose a new reality in northern Syria, the voices of these displaced individuals remain a living testament to one of the most pressing humanitarian issues in contemporary Syria.

T/S

ANHA