Forced displacement on agenda at "Shahba Political Forum"

The city of Raqqa is preparing to host this significant political event on Monday, August 4, 2025. The "Shahba Political Forum," organized under the theme “Return is a right… no forgetting, no compromise,” comes after months of preparation.

The forum will shed light on the issue of forced displacement that has affected thousands of civilians from areas including al-Bab, Jarablus, Azaz, Tal Aran, and Tal Hasel; historically known as the Shahba region. These areas witnessed waves of violent displacement during the war, first at the hands of ISIS and Free Syrian Army factions, and later by Turkey and its mercenaries.

What will the forum discuss?

The forum will address several key issues, including: “Documenting the forced displacement and violations suffered by the residents, reaffirming the right to a safe and dignified return, discussing legal and political avenues to hold perpetrators accountable and forming a special committee to count the displaced individuals from Shahba now residing in North and East Syria”.

A range of political activists, human rights defenders, media professionals, civil society representatives, and displaced persons who have lived through the painful experience are expected to participate.

Why this forum now?

According to the organizers, this step comes at a critical transitional stage following the collapse of the previous regime and the emergence of a new Syria aspiring for justice and the safe return of displaced persons.

They stress that the forum’s purpose is not merely documentation, but also to deliver the victims' voices to political and international arenas, ensuring that return is neither postponed nor compromised.

An open invitation

The forum is open to all those interested, especially the people of the Shahba region. Various stakeholders in the Syrian issue, journalists, lawyers, activists, and representatives of political bodies, have been invited to enrich the discussions and help shape a unified vision to restore rights to their rightful owners.

Forum Message: Return is a political and national right

In this context, Jihan Khadro, a forcibly displaced member of the Shahba Forum's preparatory committee, told ANHA agency that the core message behind the slogan “Return is a right… no forgetting, no compromise” affirms that the issue of forced displacement is not merely a humanitarian concern, but a national political matter. It reflects the steadfast stance of the Shahba residents who refused to become tools in foreign agendas aimed at fragmenting Syria and altering its identity.

She emphasized that the forum rejects any settlements that normalize the consequences of displacement or demographic engineering, and instead demands a safe and dignified return as an inalienable right.

Preparation and representation: Inclusive and balanced participation

Khadro noted that preparations for the forum took several months and involved broad participation from the people of Shahba across different regions and communities (Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen), to ensure genuine and balanced representation of the displaced. She added that the forum is organized around three main themes: displacement as a political crime, the suffering of the displaced, and the right to return and accountability. This structure gives the forum a comprehensive dimension reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Expected outcomes: Building a national framework for political action

As for the expected outcomes, Khadro said the forum serves as a starting point to establish a unified national framework that represents the displaced and strengthens their voice on both local and international levels. She pointed to ongoing coordination with Syrian forces concerned with displacement issues and transitional justice.

She added that the aim is to transform the forum from a media event into an organized movement that actively pursues the rights of the displaced through a field and political committee tasked with following up on relevant files and coordinating efforts to ensure the restoration of rights and return to their homes.

A roadmap for return and justice

In conclusion, Jihan Khadro stated that the forum will issue a final statement containing clear recommendations; not just as a symbolic document, but as a practical roadmap to build a future that upholds the right of return and refuses to forget or surrender the national rights of the displaced people of Shahba.

A-H 

ANHA