NOURSHAN ABDI

Kobani — The attacks on the first convoy of residents returning to Serê Kaniyê/Ras al-Ayn prevented families from completing their return to their homes, despite the convoy being part of the agreement between the interim Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, which stipulates the provision of safe conditions for the return of displaced persons to their cities and properties.

In implementation of the agreement between the interim Syrian government and the SDF, the first convoy carrying residents of Serê Kaniyê/Ras al-Ayn set out on August 10, amid hopes that this step would mark the beginning of an end to years of displacement and a return to the city and properties. However, these hopes were dashed upon the convoy's arrival, as the residents were subjected to attacks by unknown armed groups, hindering their return and bringing the displacement file back to the forefront, as they continue to be denied their right to safe return to their city and the recovery of their homes and properties.

"We Demand a Safe Return for the Displaced"

Women in Kobani expressed their stance on the violations suffered by the people of Serê Kaniyê. Rudeen Muhammad said: "For years, and to this day, the people of Serê Kaniyê have been living with the hope of returning to their homes and land. They endure the tragedy of displacement and the suffering of life in camps, along with the difficult humanitarian and living conditions. We too have lived through the pain of displacement, and therefore we fully understand the scale of suffering a displaced person endures when forced to leave their home and land. Forcing a person out of their home is like death. There is little difference between being uprooted from one's home and land and having a part of one's life and memory torn away. Therefore, the violations and attacks on the people of Serê Kaniyê during their attempt to return to their city bring back to mind the scale of the tragedy they have lived through for years, and confirm the necessity of guaranteeing their right to safe return to their homes."

She noted that "the return of the people to their cities and homes was based on the hope of living in safety and stability, yet they were once again subjected to attacks. As women of Kobani, we strongly condemn these attacks and violations, and we affirm that every citizen has the right to live in safety, dignity, and stability in their home and city—this is one of the most basic human rights."

Rudeen Muhammad affirmed that "the Syrian people, and the Kurdish people in particular, have suffered years of violations, and it is time for all components to live in safety and stability."

"We Hold the Interim Government Responsible"

Zahida Ali Ayub also condemned the attacks on the people of Serê Kaniyê during their attempt to return to their homes, explaining that they have been living in camps since 2019, facing harsh conditions in winter cold and summer heat, with an uncertain future for their children.

She added that the residents returned hoping to live in peace and recover their homes and properties, but they were once again subjected to attack and assault, forcing them to return to square one and denying them their right to return to their land and homes.

She called on the interim government to adhere to its agreements and assume its responsibilities regarding what the people of Serê Kaniyê have endured, and to work toward enhancing security and stability in the region to ensure the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.

"Properties Must Be Returned to Their Owners"

For her part, Zulikha Osman rejected the attacks on the people of Serê Kaniyê, affirming Kurdish solidarity with them. She emphasized the need to end forced displacement and camp suffering, and to ensure the return of all displaced persons to their homes, especially the people of Serê Kaniyê. "The relevant authorities must secure the second convoy for the return of the people of Serê Kaniyê and guarantee their rights."