IDPs raise their voices: No return without ending occupation

The Turkish occupation state and its mercenaries continue to occupy the cities of Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad, committing violations against the remaining residents. This occurs with the complete indifference of the Syrian Interim Government, leaving hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced people far from their homes for years, deprived of their political and cultural rights, and facing escalating dangers for anyone attempting to return.

Violations Impede the Return of Displaced Persons

Despite local and international appeals, the Turkish occupation continues to obstruct the safe return of displaced persons, amidst ongoing arrests, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and extortion for ransom, according to human rights reports documenting violations against civilians in the occupied areas.

Demands of Afrin's Displaced Persons

In this context, Suzan Oso, displaced from the city of Afrin, said: "For eight years, the displaced people of Afrin have been scattered throughout North and East Syria, living in harsh conditions and facing immense difficulties. Our demands for a safe return to our homes remain constant."

She added: "We cannot return as long as the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries are present on our land. We demand a safe return with international and regional guarantees."

Suzan Oso continued: "The mercenaries of the Turkish occupation, along with the Transitional Government, continue to commit violations against civilians, including kidnapping, killing, and arbitrary arrest."

Hopes of the Displaced from Ras al-Ain After the Agreement

Zahra Samou, a member of the Women and Children's Office of the Ras al-Ain Displaced Persons Committee, stated: "The hopes of the displaced from Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad, and Afrin increased after the formation of the interim government and the signing of the March 10 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government, which included a condition for the return of the displaced."

She added: "Since the signing of the agreement, there have been no signs of the return of the displaced. Mercenaries still occupy the cities, raise Turkish and Turkestan flags, and impose their languages ​​on the residents."

Zahra Samou indicated that the displaced's hopes of returning to their cities have been dashed, and the interim government has made it clear that it does not want the displaced to return and is working to obstruct the process.

Calls for International Guarantees

Zahra Samou explained that they have demanded, and continue to demand, a safe return to the occupied cities through international and humanitarian organizations and relevant refugee agencies, but no real solutions have been offered.

Zahra concluded her statement by saying, "The return of the displaced must be discussed at a single table that brings together the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government, based on the withdrawal of all mercenaries and occupiers, and that the forces responsible for protecting the cities should be comprised of their original inhabitants."

Urgent Human Rights Appeals

For her part, human rights activist Yusra Elias noted that the Turkish occupation has been imposing significant obstacles to the return of the displaced to their areas for years.

Yusra Elias appealed to humanitarian and human rights organizations to support the safe return of the displaced with international and regional guarantees, and to prevent any harm to them upon their return.

The issue of the forcibly displaced in Ras al-Ain, Afrin, and Tal Abyad remains unresolved amidst the ongoing occupation and its violations, and the interim government's slow progress in fulfilling its promises. This exacerbates the suffering of thousands of families awaiting a safe return to their lands and homes.

ANHA