Lack of government cooperation slows return of Syrian IDPs – AANES official
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – An official of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Monday that the Syrian transitional government has not demonstrated sufficient cooperation regarding the return of displaced Syrians to their areas of origin.
Sheikhmus Ahmad, co-chair of the Displaced Persons and Refugees Office of the AANES told North Press that the AANES had unveiled a plan to clear all displacement camps in its areas by the end of 2025. However, he said, “the lack of response from the transitional government is obstructing the implementation of this plan.”
He explained that most of those who have returned so far were residents of al-Arisha camp, located south of Hasakah.
“Ten return trips to Deir ez-Zor were organized under the supervision of the UNHCR,” he said, “while only around 200 families have returned from al-Mahmoudli camp in Raqqa and 42 families from Hawl Camp, in addition to limited returns from Abu Khashab camp in Deir ez-Zor.”
Ahmad emphasized that the AANES continues to facilitate the return process and offers logistical support in coordination with the UNHCR. However, he said, “the lack of readiness on the part of the Syrian transitional government continues to hinder progress.”
In May, a delegation from the Syrian transitional government visited Hawl Camp in the eastern countryside of Hasakah and held discussions with AANES officials on coordinating the return of displaced persons.