Civil society organizations demand safe return of displaced Afrin residents
"We affirm the legitimate and non-negotiable right of Afrin's people to return safely and dignifiedly to their original homes in Afrin itself, not to any alternative locations," the statement read.
Dec. 7, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A coalition of twelve Syrian human rights and civil society organizations issued a joint statement on Saturday expressing deep concern over the ongoing displacement crisis facing the residents of Afrin who were forcibly evacuated to al-Tabqa and Raqqa regions.
The organizations emphasized that the current living conditions in these areas lack basic necessities for a dignified life, describing the forced displacement as "a flagrant violation of human rights and a serious threat to the Kurdish cultural and historical identity in the region."
"We affirm the legitimate and non-negotiable right of Afrin's people to return safely and dignifiedly to their original homes in Afrin itself, not to any alternative locations," the statement read.
"The solution lies in allowing Afrin's residents to resume their normal lives in their native environment, which forms an integral part of their identity and history," the statement added.
The coalition called on all relevant parties, including the international community, to fulfill their legal and humanitarian responsibilities through three main actions:
1. Ensuring the safe and dignified return of all displaced persons from Afrin to their original cities and villages
2. Protecting civilian rights and preventing any practices leading to forced displacement or demographic change
3. Providing necessary support for returnees and securing their basic needs
The statement was signed by prominent organizations including the Syrian Human Rights Organization (MAF), the Kurdish Committee for Human Rights (RASID), the Kurdish Organization For Human Rights In Syria (DAD), and several other Kurdish civil society and professional organizations.
The coalition urged the United Nations, international organizations, and the global civil society to take immediate action to end the forced displacement crisis affecting Afrin's people.
They also encouraged displaced residents to maintain their legitimate right to return to their homeland.
The statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of justice and sustainable return for Afrin's residents to their original homes, where they can restore their lives and dignity within their mother city.
This joint statement comes amid ongoing concerns about demographic changes and displacement in northern Syria, particularly in Kurdish-majority areas.