Hundreds of thousands of citizens displaced due to attacks by Turkey and affiliated paramilitary groups are awaiting to return to their lands in Efrîn, Serêkaniyê, and Girê Spî. On March 10, SDF and the temporary administration in Damascus signed an 8-point memorandum, which included “ensuring the return of all displaced Syrians to their towns and villages and their protection by the Syrian state.” 

 

The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) has repeatedly called for implementation of the agreement’s relevant points. However, paramilitary groups remain in all three cities, and citizens’ return has not been facilitated.

 

Ciwan Isso, Foreign Relations Officer of the Serêkaniyê Migration Committee, and İbrahim Şêxo, Co-spokesperson of the Afrin Human Rights Organization, spoke on the latest developments.

 

“THE SITUATION IS THE SAME IN SERÊKANİYÊ AND GIRÊ SPΔ

 

Ciwan Isso said the situation in Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî has not changed since the fall of the Assad regime: “There is no legal, humanitarian, or security change in Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî. The situation has been the same since the occupation in 2019. The councils established by the occupying forces still function.”

 

Referring to MSD’s calls to the Damascus government, Isso noted Turkey’s obstruction: “However, we hope there will be positive steps in the coming days.”

 

He emphasized the need for displaced citizens to return: “The regime propagates ‘everyone can return to their homeland, no problem.’ But those in camps await action. They all want to return. They see this propaganda as deception.”

 

Isso continued: “For citizens not to be displaced again, their economic and political security must be ensured, and the Damascus government must take responsibility. The paramilitary groups must disarm. Families of occupiers settled in citizens’ homes must leave, and their councils must be dissolved. About 5,000 Serêkaniyê residents’ homes are occupied by occupiers’ families. Hundreds of factories and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland are under their control. This issue must be resolved by the Damascus government.”

 

“TURKEY WANTS TO CHANGE THE DEMOGRAPHY”

 

Isso said efforts were started for citizens’ return after the fall of the Assad regime: “Most occupiers settled here are from Aleppo, Hama, Homs. Some initially returned to their hometowns, but the number is very low. Most wanted to leave, but Turkey did not allow this. Turkey brought these people here to change the demography. That’s why it tries to keep them.”

 

‘ACTION MUST BE TAKEN’

 

He stressed the need for the Damascus government to act: “Serious crimes committed here are documented. Turkey has formed a network from here to Lebanon. The old system continues. Laws passed in Damascus do not apply in Turkey-occupied areas. Terror networks here threaten not only the autonomous administration but the whole region. Therefore, steps must be taken urgently to enable refugees to return.”

 

CURRENT SITUATION IN EFRÎN

 

İbrahim Şêxo said no steps have been taken for the people of Efrîn: “Neither their security was ensured, nor the occupied and looted lands returned. Yes, a political agreement was signed. But practically, we see nothing. We know Turkey blocks the implementation of the agreement.”

 

Şêxo noted that thousands returned to Efrîn immediately after the agreement, reaching 60-65% since 2018. Those returning face human rights violations Şêxo said: “Abductions are fewer, some abductees are released. But their homes and lands are not returned. Paramilitary groups renamed as ‘general security’ or other names still operate. Prisoner exchanges continue. Internal security forces have been positioned in Şêx Meqsûd and will be in Efrîn too. We expect the implementation of the refugee-related article in the agreement. But this is not happening. Turkey backs the paramilitaries in Efrîn. Damascus forces cannot enter or operate here. We expected serious steps after Eid al-Adha but none came. The Autonomous Administration delegation is working on these articles.”

 

MA / Ceylan Sahinli