Journalist: involving IDPs, restoring security is our priority for safe return 

The issue of the return of displaced people to Serêkaniyê /Ras al-Ain and its countryside remains a pressing matter, amidst varying opinions on the possibility of achieving a safe return in light of security, service, and complex property challenges. On the other hand, administrative and political steps are being taken to organize the return, but they face significant obstacles, the most prominent of which are the presence of settlers in the homes of the displaced and widespread destruction of infrastructure, raising questions about the readiness of the conditions for a near return.

In this context, journalist Abdul Halim Suleiman, originally from Serêkaniyê, said: "Positive steps have been taken regarding the file of the city of Serêkaniyê /Ras al-Ain, the most notable of which is the interim government's assumption of the city's administration after years of control by Turkish mercenaries, although it is not in the desired form. This step falls within the framework of integrating these areas with Damascus."

He added: "There are those who are harmed by what is happening in the city and do not accept the ongoing integration process and the interim government's takeover of the city, especially the settlers who reside in the homes of the displaced and have seized their lands. There are also challenges facing the interim government within this file."

He pointed out that: "The return of the residents requires addressing the situations of more than 400 families, the departure of more than 400 families of settlers in the area, in addition to providing a safe environment."

Suleiman explained that the return of the displaced is primarily linked to achieving security and stability, and the presence of internal security forces in the area, to reassure the residents, and that these forces should not be against them.

Suleiman pointed out that "the absence of basic living conditions and the destruction of homes and villages drives returnees individually to leave the area again, and until today, there has been no permanent return of any displaced person from the city of Serêkaniyê to their area."

He indicated that the villages suffered significant destruction, the contents of homes were stolen, and sources of livelihood were lost. He added that any actual return requires support programs for these displaced individuals, enabling them to return.

He confirmed: "The IDPs who were harmed during their years of displacement need compensation and assistance, which is not sufficiently available so far."

On the political front, Suleiman pointed out that the issue of return is also linked to the course of understandings and the integration process between the Autonomous Administration and the Interim Government. What we see are serious steps in the process, with mutual concerns, especially regarding actual partnership and Kurdish specificity, and this also applies to the city of Serêkaniyê.

He pointed out that some of the recent appointments in the city, such as the appointment of Abdullah al-Jaashan as the district manager and Abdullah Abdullah as the representative of the People's Council, both of whom are relatively unknown, did not take the residents' opinions into account, which could increase tensions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the participation of the city's residents from various components in managing their city and to reconsider the administrative appointments.

This comes at a time when the return of the IDPs to Serêkaniyê remains limited and individual, amid the absence of clear indicators for a collective return in the near future.

ANHA