Children of Serê Kaniyê grow up far from their city

The years of displacement continue to cast a shadow over the families of Serê Kaniyê living in camps, amidst cumulative psychological, social, and economic effects. The children of the displaced have grown up far from their city and environment, while their demands for a safe and dignified return to their homes persist.

Aboud al-Sultan, a displaced person from Serê Kaniyê now living in Washokani camp, said that the attack on the first convoy raised fears among the displaced, and that he rejects the attack and all those who contributed to the chaos that befell the residents. The Sultan explained that the displaced people were optimistic about the coordination between the transitional government and relevant authorities regarding their return to their homes, and that the return of their children to their city was a "joyful Eid" for them.

He added that the children of the displaced had spent years in a city that was not their own, and emphasized the residents' insistence on their right to return, provided that security and stability are guaranteed.

We demand the opening of the Tal Tamr-Serê Kaniyê road.

The Sultan called for the opening and securing of the Tal- Tamr road leading to Serê Kaniyê, because the route taken by the first convoy was rough and unsafe, and securing a suitable and safe road would strengthen the residents' confidence in returning.

Destroyed villages and looted homes.

The Sultan pointed out that dozens of villages in the Serê Kaniyê area, in addition to homes within the city, were subjected to destruction, looting, and theft, including the village of Al-Arisha, which contains more than 700 completely destroyed homes.

He explained that the residents spent years building their homes with their own efforts and resources, and today they do not have the ability to rebuild them. He noted that his two-room house had been looted and vandalized, and no longer had doors, windows, or basic necessities.

The Sultan called on the relevant authorities to help the displaced rebuild their homes, and affirmed his readiness to return, awaiting the establishment of suitable security conditions, especially with the approach of winter, even if the residents had to live in temporary tents until their homes were rebuilt.

Ongoing living crises in the camps

The Sultan pointed out that the continued displacement has exacerbated psychological and social problems within the camps, in addition to crises related to water, waste management, and other basic needs.

He indicated that more than 20 tents share sanitary facilities designated for both men and women, causing suffering and embarrassment, particularly for women.

He called for expediting the return of the displaced and improving their living conditions. Return is a Right for the Displaced

For his part, Azhar Ahmed, a member of the Union of Intellectuals of Al-Jazira, stated that the issue of forcibly displaced persons in Syria is a fundamental one, and that the displaced have suffered for years from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis. They had hoped that the agreements concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Transitional Government would pave the way for a safe and dignified return to their homes and lands.

Ahmed explained that steps and coordination had taken place regarding the return process, but arrests, harassment, and violations against civilians in Afrin continue.

Concerns about the impact of the events in Serê Kaniyê on the return process

Ahmed pointed out that the recent events in Serê Kaniyê have left significant concerns and repercussions among the displaced, despite prior coordination between the Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee and relevant authorities, including the Qamishlo District Directorate, the Hasakah Governor, the Political Authority, and those concerned with implementing the agreements and integration.

He emphasized that the return must be safe, stable, and well-prepared, and that what happened in the city cannot be reduced to individual disputes, but rather is linked to the displaced persons' right to a dignified return. He added that the absence of a genuine guarantor, despite prior coordination, could negatively impact future steps, the path to integration and civil peace, and the Syrian-Syrian dialogue. It could also exacerbate the fears of families in Hasakah who are waiting to return to Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad, and other areas.

In closing, Azhar Ahmed stressed the necessity of creating suitable conditions and supporting displaced persons to return to their homes and areas. He emphasized that a safe and dignified return is a right, not a favor.

He called on the relevant authorities to take serious steps to guarantee the return of displaced persons and protect their property and dignity.

ANHA