IDPs from Serê Kaniyê call for rapid return, safety for returnees

While the displacement of people to their own areas and villages is being delayed, those displaced from Serê Kaniyê into Washokani camp in the countryside of northern Hasakah are waiting to return to their villages in light of the entry of the first convoys into the city.

Meanwhile, the events that occurred in the city raised concerns regarding their safety, since they sought a safe and stable environment as well as provision of basic services needed for their return to their villages. Determination to Return and Requesting a Quick Return of the Displaced People

Ibrahim al-Hamid, who was displaced from the town of Zerghan in the countryside of Ras al-Ain (Serê Kaniyê), stated: “Our houses were totally destroyed around the frontline. We are hopeful that we will be able to return due to the first convoys that have entered the city just two days ago. We are determined to return, and all we ask from the officials is that they speed up the return process so that we do not give up in the camps.”

He added, “We are displaced from our homes, and we have the right to return to them. This also applies to those currently in Serê Kaniyê city. They must return to their homes. The issue is not complicated; this is the government's responsibility. What we see is that the officials are not competent enough to handle such a return and ensure security and the safety of the displaced people's homes.”

He emphasized, “What we hope for is justice for everyone. We are brothers, and we must move beyond inflammatory rhetoric. What happened is in the past, and we must be one people.” We don't want to return to our homes amidst fear and insecurity.

Khalil al-Ali, displaced from the village of al-Darbu in the eastern countryside of Serê Kaniyê said: "We want to return to our homes and villages, despite their destruction. I went back to my house to see it, and there were mines right in front of my door. We want to return to our land and homes once they are secure."

He added, "We were deeply affected by what happened in Serê Kaniyê. We feel afraid because of the lack of security. We cannot return to our villages and homes only to be subjected to attacks and violence like what happened." In closing, he called on the Syrian government to ensure and provide security, and to expedite the return process without any attacks on returnees. “We were happy to return, but the events have revived our fears.”

For her part, Zahra al-Khadir, displaced from the village of al-Faisaliyah in the eastern countryside of Ras al-Ain, said: “Our situation is extremely difficult. When the first convoys returned to the city, we were overjoyed, but with the events that occurred, our fears returned. Protection must be provided for our return to our villages.”

She added, “Those responsible for the return of displaced persons bear responsibility for what happened inside the city, and providing security is the most important condition for the return of displaced persons to their villages and homes.”

She concluded by saying, “What we want is a safe environment, along with the provision of services, so that we can return to our villages and begin rebuilding our homes.”

Establishing security and protecting the dignity of returnees is the responsibility of the security forces and the government.

For his part, Abdul Aziz Muhaymid, displaced from the village of al-Tawilah in the southern countryside of Serê Kaniyê, said: “Our situation is very bad. My village is completely destroyed, and the remnants of war still remain.” "War fills the place."

He added, "We want to return quickly. We were happy to see the displaced return in the first convoy, and saddened by our separation, but this is the reality. We must return and raise our slogan: How beautiful it is to be one home, with all our sects."

Muhaymid stressed, "There must be reconciliation and the building of bridges of trust between the residents of the areas. What happened indicates a deep rift between the communities, and we hope that what happened in Ras al-Ayn will not be repeated."

He concluded, "The security forces and the government are required to establish security in the region. We have lost hope of remaining in these camps. We do not want our dignity to be violated upon our return. We left to protect our dignity."

ANHA