Return of Sere Kaniye IDPs requires security guarantees, protection of their property

IDPs of Serê Kaniyê continue to insist on their right to return and reject any practices that prevent them from reclaiming their homes and lands, after years of displacement and living in camps. They stress the need to provide security, protect property, and create conditions that ensure a safe and dignified return.

In this context, Farhan Dawood, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) office in Hasakah, said: “The recent events in Serê Kaniyê and the attacks suffered by some displaced people while returning to their city as part of the first convoy on August 10 are regrettable. They occurred at a time when Syria is witnessing efforts toward agreement, integration, and reconciliation.”

The transitional government is responsible for protecting returnees

Dawood explained that the recent events have demonstrated the presence of groups operating outside the law and beyond the control of the transitional government. He held the government “responsible for protecting civilians and ensuring their security, as the authority responsible for Syrian territory, regardless of the factions and groups present or affiliated with it, both internally and externally.”

Homes have owners

He said that what took place in the city could constitute an attempt to exploit the circumstances in order to impose a new reality, bring about demographic change, and displace citizens from their homes. He warned of the consequences of such actions.

Dawood pointed out that the displaced residents of Serê Kaniyê are Syrian citizens who own homes and land in the city. They have been living in camps for around seven years under harsh humanitarian conditions and are looking forward to returning. He stressed that their right to return to their properties cannot be revoked.

Farhan Dawood noted that “those currently living in the homes of Serê Kaniyê residents are also Syrians, and they have homes in other parts of the country. Therefore, the homes and lands belonging to displaced people cannot be considered a substitute for their original properties.”

Dawood stressed that “seizing homes and land is incompatible with humanitarian principles and social ethics, and treating civilians’ property as war booty is unacceptable.”

He called for respect for property rights and for homeowners and landowners to be enabled to return to their properties.

He noted that the January 29 agreement between the transitional government and the Autonomous Administration included provisions guaranteeing the safe return of displaced people, and stressed the need to adhere to what would enable them to return to their homes with dignity and security.

He explained that the issue of return concerns all components of Serê Kaniyê, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Circassians, and others and is not limited to any one community.

Warning of the consequences of continued chaos

Dawood pointed out that the absence of security and safety, along with practices carried out by certain groups in the city, are indications that Syria continues to experience a security crisis and chaos.

He called on the transitional government to fulfill its role and extend its authority over areas controlled by these groups operating outside the law.

Farhan Dawood stressed the need to protect civilians’ homes and property, restore security and safety to these areas, and guarantee citizens’ security and stability, as these are the cornerstone of building a democratic Syria.

A call to the Arab tribes

Dawood warned that the continued seizure of civilians’ homes and lands, cultivation of their land, and disposal of their property pose a threat not only to Serê Kaniyê but also carry risks for various parts of Syria and could push the country toward new sectarian, ethnic, and tribal conflicts.

Farhan Dawood called on the Arab tribes to raise awareness among their members residing in Serê Kaniyê about the need to respect ownership of the homes and lands in which they live, emphasizing that these properties do not belong to them but have rightful owners. He said they must leave these properties, enable their owners to reclaim them and return to them, and play their role in this regard.

The return of IDPs Is the foundation for coexistence

Dawood stressed that “the return of displaced people to their homes represents an essential step toward national cohesion, coexistence, equality, and justice, and toward ending chauvinistic and extremist mindsets and conflicts that do not serve the Syrian people.”

Farhan Dawood said: “The continuation of these practices could push Syria toward an even worse situation.” He expressed hope that “the relevant authorities will reconsider their approach and work to put an end to this phenomenon.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, Farhan Dawood, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party in Hasakah, stressed the need for the return of the residents of Serê Kaniyê, as well as the displaced people from Girê Spî and other areas, to be safe, preserve their dignity and rights, and enable them to reclaim their homes and lands and live in them safely. He emphasized that guaranteeing the right of return constitutes a foundation for coexistence, equality, and stability in Syria.

ANHA