Afrin refugees demand safe return, free of occupation

As part of efforts to promote dialogue and implement the terms of the March 10 agreement, a delegation from North and East Syria met with a delegation from the Syrian Transitional Government in Damascus on June 1. They discussed mechanisms to implement the agreement’s terms, including facilitating the return of displaced people to their areas and removing obstacles to this process. Displaced Afrin residents in Al-Hasakah stressed that their only desire is to return to Afrin safely.

 Abdul Hanan Mohammed referred to the meeting between the delegations of the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Transitional Government on June 1 in Damascus, where four points were discussed, one of which was the return of the displaced.

"The return of the displaced must be safer. We want to return to an Afrin free of mercenary groups, as there is no safety in Afrin with their presence. The agreed-upon terms must be implemented on the ground. We will not return now, and human rights organizations and international bodies must fulfill their duties so we can return under international guarantees," Mohammed said.

 "Continued Crimes in Afrin"

 Mohammed Qasim explained that the Syrian Transitional Government is responsible for delaying the return process.

"The Autonomous Administration delegation continues to work to make this agreement successful, but due to the negligence of the Syrian Transitional Government, the implementation of its terms is delayed. Some displaced people return to Afrin but face harassment and extortion by the mercenaries of the occupying Turkish state. It is the responsibility of the Syrian Transitional Government to stop these practices. Its silence today is unacceptable and does not inspire confidence," Qasim said.

 Return of the Displaced Must Be Under International Guarantees

 Mariam Ali stressed the need to liberate Afrin from all mercenaries and ensure the return of the displaced to their homes under international guarantees. She said, "International organizations and the Syrian Transitional Government ignore our demand to return. Our only wish is to return to our homes and live in safety."

 Suzan Oso also referred to the points agreed upon between the Autonomous Administration delegation and the Damascus delegation, saying, "This was a positive step toward securing the rights of different components and protecting their privacy. One of the most important points is the safe return of the displaced. However, the words and actions of the Syrian Transitional Government do not align, which undermines our trust in it. Nevertheless, the displaced must return under the guarantee of international powers."

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ANHA