IDPs: we demand the end of occupation; safe return to our areas

Displaced Yazidis from occupied Afrin confirmed that they have endured harsh living conditions over the past years, emphasizing that any potential return must take place within a political and military solution that guarantees security and stability.

22 October, 2025 05:55

QAMISHLO

RENAS RAMO, ROHAT KHALAF

The displaced hoped for an end to their suffering following recent talks between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Transitional Government. Meanwhile, displaced Yazidis from Afrin affirmed that a safe return can only be realized through political and military understandings that ensure security and stability, after having faced forced displacement and systematic violations targeting their existence and identity.

The co-chair of the Yazidi House in Afrin, Maryam Jando, stated that the Syrian war "has brought disasters upon all Syrians, while the Turkish occupation state has practiced all forms of aggression against Afrin using various types of weapons."

She pointed out that "the people of Afrin were forcibly displaced to Shahba, and they continued to live and resist despite harsh conditions, hoping for a safe return to their city."

She added: "We hope to return, but it must be within the framework of a comprehensive political and military agreement that ends the Turkish occupation, with the deployment of internal security forces in the region to ensure stability."

On her part, Rojan Hamid confirmed that the displaced, especially from the Yazidi community, "insisted on their right to return despite the extermination attempts and forced displacement they faced."

She called on international forces for "immediate intervention to end violations and ensure the return of residents in the presence of the Syrian Democratic Forces and internal security forces, as they do not trust any other forces."

Meanwhile, Hussein Yusuf referred to the difficult living conditions faced by the displaced, from rising housing rents to the lack of international support for camps.

He affirmed that "the resistance of Afrin’s people continues, whether inside the city facing daily violations or in areas of refuge through steadfastness and adherence to the right of return."

He concluded by saying that liberating Afrin and the safe return of its people remain the highest goal of the displaced, who see political and military unity as the only path to end the occupation and restore normal life.

ANHA