The General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, and the interim president of the Damascus government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, signed an agreement that guarantees the constitutional rights of the Kurds and covers many issues, such as military and civilian institutions within the general administration. One of the articles of the agreement includes the safe return of IDPs to their homes.

Speaking to ANHA, IDPs from Afrin-Shehba Canton in Aleppo said that the agreement gives them hope to return home soon after the suffering caused by the exodus.

“We have been away from home for more than 7 years. We are suffering the pain of homesickness. We want to return to our home and village,” said Arîfe Mamo, calling for measures to be taken to facilitate the return. ”We want the provisions of the agreement to be implemented and the safe return of migrants to be ensured as soon as possible and their rights to be restored. We want the bloodshed to stop and the country to move towards stability and reconstruction. We don't want war anymore, but we will defend our existence and identity.”

Commenting on the agreement, Mistefa Mihemed Omer said, “The agreement is an important step towards promoting peace and stopping bloodshed and massacres on identity and sectarian grounds. It is also a hope for IDPs to return to their homes.”

Mistefa Omer stated that the provisions of the agreement will bring peace with it and will ensure the establishment of a secure country and added, “Enough of the pain of years of conflict and destruction.”

Speaking about the pain of displacement, Hemid al-Nasir said, “Since the day we were expelled from our homes and lands, we have not seen a day of peace. We have suffered a lot of pain and hardship. There is nothing as precious as staying in our land.”

Hemid al-Nasir continued: “We feel that our return is close. This is the biggest step that has made us happy since the fall of the Baath regime, because freedom means nothing away from one's village and home. Everyone has returned to their homes and lands except the people of Afrin. We were forced to migrate twice and we don't know what the mercenaries have done to our homes and graves. Of course, we will return and rebuild our homes and our city.”