Displaced Kurds of Syria’s Sere Kaniye cite security, property rights as key return barriers
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Nearly seven years after their displacement from Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Tel Abyad in northeastern Syria, residents continue to face major security, property and economic barriers to returning to their places of origin, according to a new assessment by Synergy Association for Victims.
The assessment, based on 607 surveys of forcibly displaced persons from the two areas, found that 63.1 percent identified fears of arrest, retaliation or other rights violations as their main obstacle to return. Another 59.8 percent cited the lack of security in their areas of origin.
The report said 58.2 percent of respondents reported that their homes were no longer habitable, while 42.8 percent said their homes, land or other property had been confiscated, occupied or otherwise appropriated. Economic difficulties also remain significant, with 46.5 percent saying they could not afford the costs of return and 34.4 percent citing a lack of employment opportunities.
Security and stability were identified as the foremost prerequisites for return, with 79.2 percent of respondents calling for their restoration. Meanwhile, 68.9 percent cited compensation and reparations, 56.7 percent effective legal safeguards, and 53.7 percent an independent mechanism to monitor the return process.
The assessment found that returnees would also require substantial support after returning. Financial assistance was identified by 84.9 percent as a key need, followed by assistance to repair or rebuild damaged homes at 66.1 percent.
Synergy said sustainable return requires restoring housing, land and property rights, basic services and livelihoods, while addressing security concerns and ensuring reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence.
The organization called for a rights-based approach that ensures returns are voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable, with displaced persons meaningfully involved in shaping return policies and programs.