Kurdish IDPs’ File in Raqqa remains suspended without implementation

Recent attacks in the region led to the displacement of around 2,000 Kurdish families from their homes in Raqqa province, forcing them to flee to Kobani and the Jazira Canton.

The consequences of these events did not stop at displacement; they also included the seizure of homes and property belonging to the displaced and the theft of their contents. In addition, some government bodies reportedly confiscated private homes and properties and used them for various purposes.

Large areas of agricultural land owned by Kurdish citizens were also seized and exploited by other parties and individuals, depriving their owners of benefiting from them.

In an attempt to find solutions, Hasakah Governor Eng. Nour al-Din Ahmad, along with Internal Security Forces commander Mahmoud Khalil, met on June 7 with Raqqa Governor Abdul Rahman Salameh in Raqqa governorate building. The meeting was attended by Kurdish elders and representatives to discuss mechanisms for returning displaced Kurds and ensuring the restoration of their rights and property.

The meeting resulted in an agreement to form a special committee for the displaced to coordinate with Raqqa authorities, work on creating conditions for safe return, and follow up on property and land cases that were seized during the displacement process.

A source representing displaced Kurds from Raqqa, who is following the file in coordination with the Raqqa administration, said that “efforts so far have not produced tangible results on the ground and the file remains pending.”

The source explained that during the past period, files and documents related to the return of the displaced were prepared, and around 20 dossiers were submitted to the Raqqa governor, including complaints and information about the seizure and confiscation of Kurdish property.

However, he added: “So far, no progress has been made in the submitted files, despite the preparation of lists counting the displaced and identifying their locations to facilitate their return to their original areas.”

Available information indicates that some of the seized agricultural lands were cultivated during the season, and after harvesting crops, the occupiers returned to plough them again in preparation for maize cultivation.

The coordinating committee believes that the continued exploitation of the lands, alongside the absence of practical steps to return their owners, raises questions about the fate of the commitments made during official meetings and the ability of relevant authorities to address the issue.

According to the same source, the file of returning displaced Kurds and resolving property issues remains unresolved without practical solutions, despite ongoing communication with the Raqqa governor’s office and regular follow-up. Thousands of displaced people are still awaiting the translation of promises into real actions that would allow them to return home and reclaim their rights.

ANHA