Statement condemning and denouncing the attack on the residents of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ayn) returning to their town…

Yekiti Media

Since the forced displacement of the residents of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ayn) in late 2019, the Kurdish National Council in Syria has affirmed their right to a safe and dignified return to their homes, in accordance with UN Resolution 2254 and with international guarantees, whilst safeguarding their rights and compensating them for the damage inflicted upon them and their property.

As arrangements for the residents’ return got under way, the first group was due to return on 10 August 2026; however, this return was met with attacks and insults from groups residing in the town who were not its original inhabitants, resulting in injuries and material damage.

The Kurdish National Council in Syria condemns in the strongest terms these practices, which undermine the dignity of citizens and threaten civil peace, and holds the relevant government authorities responsible for protecting returnees, ensuring their safety and that of their property, and guaranteeing their safe and dignified return without any assault or harassment.

At the same time, the Council affirms that protesting against these violations is a legitimate right, provided that it is carried out peacefully and without harming public institutions or national symbols that represent all the country’s citizens.

In this context, the Council calls for a transparent and impartial investigation into these attacks, for all those involved to be held to account, and for measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such practices and violations, thereby ensuring respect for the rights of returnees and the protection of their dignity and property.

The Council renews its call for the return of the people of Sari Kaniyeh to their town to be completed, and for them to be enabled to reclaim their lives, rights, property and land, particularly as the agricultural season approaches, so that they may cultivate their land and secure their livelihoods.

The return of displaced persons to their homes is a fundamental right that must not be infringed upon; it is a necessary step towards achieving national reconciliation and consolidating stability in Syria.

The General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council in Syria

11 August 2026