IDPs from Serê Kaniyê: Settlers demand money to leave homes

Thousands of displaced people from the city of Serê Kaniyê are awaiting the possibility of returning to their homes under the provisions of the January 29 agreement. However, hopes for return continue to face challenges related to the condition of the properties and houses they left behind after their displacement.

Displaced residents reported that they are facing extortion and provocation by settlers currently living in their homes, who demand money in exchange for vacating the houses or preserving their contents and refraining from causing further damage before leaving.

One displaced resident said: “The settlers claim ownership of the houses after receiving them from armed factions in the area. In some cases, they demand sums exceeding $3,000 in exchange for vacating the homes or abandoning their claims of ownership.”

He added: “Other settlers justify their demands by saying they carried out maintenance and renovation work in the homes during their stay and want compensation for those expenses before leaving, even though the houses belong to their original owners who were forcibly displaced years ago.”

ANHA correspondent confirmed that several displaced residents who were contacted refused to reveal their identities out of fear that their remaining property could be subjected to vandalism or retaliation. Concerns among residents are growing as discussions increase regarding the possibility of their return to the city.

As talk intensifies about the potential return of displaced residents to their homes, settlers have begun making financial demands to the original owners in exchange for leaving the houses untouched and refraining from tampering with their contents or causing additional damage.

For its part, the Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee stressed that the return of residents must take place in a manner that respects the rights of the original population and guarantees the restoration of their properties without conditions. The committee stated that imposing any financial demands in exchange for returning homes or preserving them constitutes a violation of the rights of displaced persons and a form of extortion.

The committee also called on relevant authorities and human rights and humanitarian organizations to assume their responsibilities by protecting the rights of displaced people, ensuring their safe and dignified return, ending all forms of unlawful seizure of their properties, and taking the necessary measures to preserve those properties and prevent violations of their rights.

ANHA