Safe return of Serê Kaniyê displaced still pending

The agreement signed on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s interim government stipulates the safe return of displaced people from Afrin, Aleppo, Shahba, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî to their towns and villages, as well as the establishment of local administrations.

Following the return of displaced residents from Afrin and developments related to the broader displacement file, the issue of the safe return of Serê Kaniyê’s displaced population has become one of the most prominent matters on the agenda. Recently, visits and meetings concerning this issue have intensified, alongside ongoing discussions on how to ensure a safe return.

In this context, the commander of Internal Security in Hasakah, Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali, and his deputy, Siyamand Afrin, visited Serê Kaniyê. Discussions focused on mine clearance, establishing joint checkpoints on the road between Serê Kaniyê and Hasakah, and developing a mechanism for maintaining the city’s overall security. Although discussions continue regarding the conditions necessary for a safe return, the process has not yet begun.

Thousands Await Return

Today, thousands of people displaced from Serê Kaniyê and various areas of North and East Syria are waiting to return home.

However, the absence of secure conditions, the danger posed by landmines, property disputes, the occupation of homes and lands by others, and extensive damage to infrastructure remain among the most significant obstacles preventing residents from returning.

According to data from the Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee, around 14,000 families—approximately 80,000 people—have submitted official applications seeking safe return to their homes. In addition, around 33,000 residents of the Serê Kaniyê, Washokani, and Newroz camps have registered their names for return.

According to available information, these applications have been formally submitted to both the Autonomous Administration and Syria’s interim government.

Follow-Up Committee Continues Consultations

The Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee continues consultations regarding the return process, holding multiple meetings with the interim government, the Autonomous Administration, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the governor of Hasakah.

The return file is being discussed systematically, particularly with Hasakah Governor Nour al-Din Ahmad. Meetings have addressed the administrative situation in Serê Kaniyê, existing obstacles, and the problems hindering the return process.

Demographic Change and Property Issues Persist

Security concerns, demographic changes, and property rights remain among the key issues linked to the return of displaced people to Serê Kaniyê.

According to local sources, armed factions have settled thousands of families from Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo in homes and on lands belonging to Kurdish residents since 2019.

The sources state that these families are living in 45 Kurdish villages and are cultivating agricultural lands owned by displaced Kurds. Property and land-rights disputes are considered among the most serious complications obstructing return efforts.

Information from Serê Kaniyê also indicates that families who have recently returned individually face significant difficulties. Some occupants of homes reportedly demand payment from the original owners in exchange for vacating the properties, while some returnees have allegedly been threatened if they refuse to pay.

This issue constitutes one of the greatest obstacles to mass return, as a safe return cannot be guaranteed without resolving it.

Discussions on a Clear Mechanism for Safe Return

Although the January 29 agreement aims to pave the way for a safe return, it does not clearly define the practical mechanism for implementing the return process or identify the authority responsible for guaranteeing security.

During recent meetings, proposals were discussed regarding mine clearance, the establishment of joint security checkpoints, and the formation of local security forces—demands that residents of Serê Kaniyê consider essential. However, no concrete steps have been implemented so far.

According to the latest information, discussions continue between the Autonomous Administration and the interim government regarding a mechanism for safe return to Serê Kaniyê, without a clear implementation plan having been finalized.

On June 18, Mustafa Abdi, the member of the presidential team, told ANHA Agency that the first steps toward the return of Serê Kaniyê’s displaced residents would begin that day through the launch of mine-clearing operations on roads, in dangerous areas, and between villages.

What Happened?

On October 9, 2019, the Turkish military and allied factions, commonly referred to as the Syrian National Army (SNA), launched an offensive that resulted in the capture of Serê Kaniyê and Girê Spî. The operation led to the displacement of thousands of residents and the evacuation of numerous villages and residential areas.

Today, nearly seven years later, most displaced residents of Serê Kaniyê remain unable to return to their homes. Although the January 29 agreement provides a political framework for a safe and dignified return, implementation continues to face challenges due to the military and demographic realities on the ground.

ANHA