Serêkaniyê IDPs demand safe, organized return to their homes

Following the agreement announced on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government in Syria, which included provisions for the return of the displaced to their homes, the displaced people of the city of Serêkaniyê have turned their attention toward their areas. This comes amid growing questions about the actual date of return, especially with the circulation of video clips on social media allegedly showing the withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from the city.

In this context, ANHA agency conducted a series of interviews with several displaced residents of the city who are living in Washokani Camp in al-Hasakah. They expressed their firm commitment to their right of return, but linked it to the provision of security and genuine guarantees for their safety.

The displaced person Shaaban Ali al-Hussein, a resident of the city of Serêkaniyê, said that their only demand is “to return safely and in good condition to their homes.” He added that they hope the agreement will open the door to a safe return away from the dangers of landmines and remnants of war.

He explained that so far they have not received any official decision regulating the return, noting that what is being circulated amounts to nothing more than propaganda or unofficial calls to prepare. He stressed that they reject returning individually and demand that the return be collective, organized, and under clear supervision that guarantees everyone’s safety.

For his part, Abdul Mohammad Mohammad, who is displaced from the countryside of Serêkaniyê, said that they look forward to a return characterized by security and peace for all without exception. He emphasized that the prolonged state of waiting has exhausted the residents and left them feeling bored and hopeless.

He pointed out that some of the displaced people’s homes were completely destroyed, which requires genuine logistical support, foremost among it securing transportation to return them to their areas. He added that they are prepared to live in tents on their land until their homes are rebuilt, but on the condition that security is ensured first. He explained that some villages still contain landmines, posing a constant danger to civilians. He concluded by saying that they want to return to their lands and resume their agricultural work, which had been their primary source of livelihood.

In turn, the displaced person Mohammad al-Hussein indicated that his village was almost completely destroyed, and that the houses not destroyed by shelling were damaged by weather conditions and neglect during the years of displacement. He affirmed their adherence to the right of immediate return but questioned the availability of basic living necessities amid the lack of resources. He explained that life in the camp has become extremely difficult, especially during the month of Ramadan, in light of shortages of food, education, and essential services.

Al-Hussein called for the formation of a specialized committee to assess the situation on the ground in the city and its villages and to organize well-planned and safe return convoys. He concluded his remarks with a poignant message, saying that they feel as though they are “crushed people who do not deserve to live,” affirming that they are human beings with feelings, lives, and rights like others.

ANHA