Newroz Association condemns occupation violations in Afrin, calls for international action

In a statement issued today, Tuesday, to the public, the Newroz Cultural and Social Association voiced grave concern about the ongoing violations and crimes perpetrated by the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries in occupied Afrin, under the supervision of the Syrian transitional government, which it described as “a partner in the crimes and complicit in protecting perpetrators and covering up violations against civilians.”

The statement highlighted a wave of assaults and organized looting that affected this year’s olive harvest, as mercenaries seized farmers’ lands and properties, depriving locals of their main source of livelihood — an economic and humanitarian crime striking at the roots of local existence.

The Association stressed that the olive tree — a symbol of peace, labor, and connection to the land — has today become a witness to exploitation, destruction, and systematic demographic change, while civilians are daily victims of assassinations and assaults amid the silence of the controlling authorities.

It also condemned the arbitrary arrest campaigns targeting residents of the towns of Tal Aran and Tal Hasel, describing these violations as part of a systematic policy to empty the region of its inhabitants, tighten control, and achieve large-scale demographic change in violation of international humanitarian law and treaties protecting civilians during armed conflicts.

The Association noted that Kurdish displaced persons from Afrin living in Lebanon continue to long for their return, but daily violations prevent this, exacerbating the tragedy of forced displacement that the region’s people have endured for years.

The statement concluded with a call on international powers, the United Nations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations to take urgent action to stop the violations, hold perpetrators accountable, protect civilians, and facilitate the safe and dignified return of the displaced. It affirmed that Afrin will remain Kurdish, Syrian land, and that the will of its people to persevere is stronger than the occupation’s policies of oppression and discrimination.

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ANHA