Displaced residents of Afrin and Shahba, currently residing in temporary shelters in the Tabqa Canton, have expressed deep anguish and apprehension about returning to their homes amid the absence of genuine guarantees for safety and stability.
Mohammad Al-Mashhadani, one of the displaced, stated: “We have endured years of displacement and unspeakable suffering. Our departure from Afrin was not arbitrary—it was an act to defend our dignity. How can we now return only to face humiliation? We refuse to live as captives under the authority of those who displaced us. Our adversaries bear no goodwill toward us, even though we have never posed a threat to anyone.”
Al-Mashhadani affirmed that:“Any return must be according to principles of dignity and justice. We demand nothing but our rightful entitlements, and we will accept nothing less. Return will only be viable under international guarantees that ensure the protection of civilians from killings, abductions, and property theft. Furthermore, those responsible for the crimes committed against us must be held accountable. We call for an honorable return that reflects our prolonged suffering.”
Husni Najjar, a father of three, emphasized that safety and stability are the fundamental conditions for return. He stated: “I cannot bring my family back to a region plagued by ongoing violations and lawlessness. Reports of looting and murder reach us daily. Therefore, we demand the presence of a neutral body or civil administration to ensure the protection and rights of the population.”
Najjar also issued a direct appeal to the United Nations and international powers, urging for "effective intervention that would enable the displaced to return to Afrin and secure a peaceful life. Turkish forces must withdraw from the area—the Syrian people have had enough of war and bloodshed."
For her part, Rozalin Koshan expressed hope for return, saying: “Returning to Afrin is not merely about returning to a place—it is about reclaiming an identity and a way of life. I reject returning to an environment marked by oppression and marginalization. We want a dignified life where we can rebuild our city and teach our children in our language and culture without fear.”
Koshan further emphasized that Afrin is not just a geographic space, but a full-fledged identity, stating: “If this identity is not restored to its rightful place, then any return would be incomplete. Our priority is to secure safety, regain our rights, and achieve a dignified return.”
In the absence of a political solution and amid continued violations in Turkish-occupied northern Syria, the voices of Afrin’s displaced remain resolute—calling upon the international community to stand with them in reclaiming their usurped rights, land, and identity.
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ANHA
