Co-Chair of Syrian Democratic Council stresses safe return of displaced

From Hasaka, the first convoys of families displaced from Afrin departed on Monday toward their original areas, as part of implementing the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government.

Hundreds of locals, representatives of the Autonomous Administration institutions, and political parties attended the convoy departure to bid farewell to the families, amid emotions of joy and deep sentiment after many years of displacement.

In this context, Laila Qara Man, co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, who attended to bid farewell to the families, expressed her happiness at the return of Afrin displaced to their homes after more than eight years. She noted that the joy on the faces of returnees was clear despite the suffering they endured during the years of displacement.

Qara Man explained that the return of displaced persons is one of the key provisions of the January 29 agreement and highlighted that this issue has been present in many meetings held over the past period due to its importance in achieving stability in the region and Syria overall.

She confirmed that the return of displaced persons represents a positive step but emphasized that it must occur safely, preserving the dignity of residents, ensuring recovery of their property, and preventing any threats or harassment. She warned that any violations could negatively affect the implementation of the agreement.

She also pointed out that this step should be followed by actions enabling the return of other Syrian displaced persons to their original areas, including the residents of Serekaniye, Grî Spî, and other regions.

Laila Qara Man stated that the return of displaced persons will contribute to enhancing stability, reconstruction, and building trust among Syrian communities. She emphasized that ending displacement and forced migration is one of the essential conditions for achieving stability in Syria. She concluded that true stability in the country will not be possible without the return of all displaced people to their homes and original lands, stressing that this right must be safeguarded and realized for all Syrians inside and outside the country.

The first returning batch included around 400 families, totaling approximately 3,000 people. The convoy traveled from Hasaka to rural Afrin via Raqqa, Tabqa, and Aleppo. The convoy consisted of hundreds of private family cars and dozens of buses provided by the Afrin-Shahba Displaced Council and the Syrian Civil Defense to transport the families.

The departure was accompanied by Internal Security Forces and supervised by the Deputy Commander of Internal Security in Hasaka, Mahmoud Khalil, and the Internal Security (Asayish) leader, Nisreen Abdullah, alongside several officials responsible for the displaced affairs.