IDPs return, holding perpetrators accountable; issues during seminar in Hasakah

The Public Relations Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) today organized a dialogue seminar titled "The March 10 Agreement and the Right of Return," as part of a discussion on the issue of the return of forcibly displaced persons from the cities of Afrin, Serêkaniyê/Ras al-Ain, and Gire Spi/Tell Abyad. The seminar was held at the SDC's office in the city of Hasakah in al-Jazira Canton.

The symposium was attended by members of the Syrian Democratic Council, representatives of several political parties, and displaced persons from Afrin and Serêkaniyê, as well as figures and activists interested in public affairs.

The symposium began with a video presentation depicting the suffering of those forcibly displaced as a result of the Turkish occupation state's attacks on Afrin in 2018 and Serêkaniyê and Gire Spi in 2019, and the extent of the sacrifices made by residents in defense of their areas.

The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Afrin's Displaced Persons

The symposium included two topics. The first, titled "The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Afrin's Displaced Persons," was moderated by human rights and political activist Gabriel Mustafa, who addressed the historical and strategic importance of Afrin in Syria.

He explained the extent of the destruction caused by the Turkish occupation, describing it as "the largest demographic change operation" in the region.

Mustafa also reviewed a series of war crimes documented by the United Nations and other international organizations, including the kidnapping of nearly 10,000 civilians, including 1,000 women and 100 children; the destruction of approximately 59 archaeological sites out of 75, along with the destruction of 28 religious shrines belonging to Muslims and Yazidis; and the uprooting and felling of approximately 5 million olive trees, which constituted an economic and social pillar for the region's residents.

Mustafa addressed the March 10 agreement concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional government in Syria, noting the Damascus government's failure to abide by its terms, particularly the fifth clause related to ensuring the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.

Decentralization is the cornerstone of any future negotiations

During the discussions on this topic, Dr. Mahmoud al-Muslat, co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, emphasized that Syria is undergoing comprehensive negotiations on the military and economic levels, as well as on the system of governance. He emphasized that decentralization represents the cornerstone of any future negotiations, as the centralized system has proven its failure and dragged the country into destruction and devastation, while the decentralized system has proven its success in advancing development and advancing nations.

Muslat pointed out that the Afrin issue is no longer merely a local matter, but has become an international issue, emphasizing that the return of the displaced people of Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal-Abyed to their lands will only be a matter of time.

He considered the March 10 agreement to represent the beginning of the national process of Syrian-Syrian dialogue, calling on all parties to support it as a unifying national duty for Syrians.

He added that Syria today is experiencing a state of deep division, but the solution lies in building bridges of communication between all parties. He warned against attempts by some external forces to deepen national divisions and incite strife, especially attempts to sow discord between Arabs and Kurds, stressing that the Syrians will not allow this to happen.

The planned elections reinforce division rather than national unity.

Al-Muslat emphasized that the Kurdish cause is a just cause, requiring a new constitution that guarantees their rights and preserves Syria's diversity. He emphasized that the current constitution is incomplete and does not reflect Syria's rich pluralistic reality. Meanwhile, the planned People's Assembly elections perpetuate division rather than strengthen national unity.

He explained that recognizing the rights of all components is not a concession, but rather a victory for Syria as a whole, because diversity is a source of strength, not a point of weakness, and national reconciliation is the foundation of any future development.

The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Displaced People from Serêkaniyê and Gire Spi

The second session, titled "The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Displaced People from Serêkaniyê and Tel Abyad," was moderated by Mahmoud Jamil, spokesperson for the Serêkaniyê Displaced People Committee. Jamil reviewed the events of the attack on the city on October 9, 2019, and emphasized that the Turkish occupation state used various types of weapons, including internationally prohibited weapons such as phosphorus bombs, forcibly displacing residents from their homes and lands.

He explained that thousands of displaced people were forced to migrate to other cities in northern and eastern Syria, where a large number of them settled in schools and camps, amid difficult humanitarian conditions.

Regarding the March 10 Agreement, Jamil emphasized that it played a significant role in saving Syria from a sectarian war. He emphasized that one of its most prominent provisions is ensuring the return of displaced people to their areas and compensating them in accordance with human rights principles. He noted that the right of return stipulated in the agreement is consistent with international law and United Nations resolutions.

The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Displaced Persons from Serêkaniyê and Gire Spi

The second session, titled "The March 10 Agreement and the Return of Displaced Persons from Serêkaniyê and Tel Abyad," was moderated by Mahmoud Jamil, spokesperson for the Serêkaniyê Displaced Persons Committee. Jamil reviewed the events of the attack on the city on October 9, 2019, and emphasized that the Turkish occupation state used various types of weapons, including internationally prohibited weapons such as phosphorus bombs, forcibly displacing residents from their homes and lands.

He explained that thousands of displaced persons were forced to migrate to other cities in North and East Syria, where a large number of them settled in schools and camps, amid difficult humanitarian conditions.

Regarding the March 10 Agreement, Jamil emphasized that it played a significant role in saving Syria from a sectarian war. He emphasized that one of its most prominent provisions is ensuring the return of displaced persons to their areas and compensating them in accordance with human rights principles. He noted that the right of return stipulated in the agreement is consistent with international law and UN resolutions.

Final Recommendations

The symposium concluded with a series of recommendations, emphasizing the need to expedite the recognition of the right of return as an inalienable and inalienable right, enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and international law. It also emphasized the need for the United Nations, human rights organizations, and active forces to play a decisive role in ensuring the safe return of displaced persons, rejecting any attempts at demographic change, and restoring the demographic situation to what it was before the occupation and displacement, with the genuine participation of civil society representatives.

The symposium also emphasized the expulsion of mercenary groups and emphasized the importance of documenting violations and holding those responsible accountable. It also emphasized supporting development projects to secure livelihoods, compensate those affected, and provide basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare, in addition to rehabilitating infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and educational centers. It also emphasized the need to support the psychological well-being of displaced persons, protect cultural identity, and promote community reconciliation through constructive dialogue. And the formation of a local and international committee to monitor the safe and dignified return to Ras al-Ain, Afrin, and Tal Abyed, and to emphasize that starting from a sense of nationalism and sincere belonging, and implementing the provisions of the March 10 agreement, constitutes the basis for any political solution and genuine Syrian-Syrian dialogue, far from any foreign interference