The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) announced a new initiative to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees in Hol Camp to their original areas, affirming its commitment to providing the necessary efforts in this process.

The Autonomous Administration's Social Affairs and Labor Committee and the Department of Refugee and Migration Affairs made a statement regarding the voluntary return of Syrian citizens residing in the Hol Camp in Cizire Canton to their homes.

The statement was read in Kurdish by Şêxmûs Ehmed, the head of the Department of Refugee and Migration Affairs, and in Arabic by Meryem Ibrahim, the co-chair of the Social Affairs and Labor Committee.

The statement emphasized that with the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, Syria has entered a new phase, bringing urgent humanitarian issues to the forefront. One of the most burdensome issues for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has been the situation of displaced persons and refugees.

"Today, as the country enters a new phase, we announce that Syrian citizens residing in Hol Camp are now provided with the opportunity to voluntarily return to their original places of residence,” it said.

The statement noted that this decision had been made previously, as the Autonomous Administration issued a resolution on October 5, 2020, allowing Syrians to return home. However, families residing in Hol Camp feared a return due to the Assad regime: "With the fall of the regime, there is no longer a reason for fear or for staying in the camp. We will provide all necessary facilities and arrange transportation for families wishing to return."

The statement urged international humanitarian organizations to assist Syrian citizens who moved to North-East Syria due to the war in the country and are currently residing in Erisha, Ebu Xeshab, Mehmudli and Tiwehiniyê camps.

The statement also stressed the need for the United Nations and the international community to take a firm stance on the issue of displaced persons from Afrin, Girê Spî (Tal Abyad), and Serê Kaniyê (Ras al-Ain) and to ensure their safe return with UN-backed guarantees for their protection.

The statement concluded: "We in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria remain committed to our humanitarian and ethical responsibilities regarding displaced persons and refugees. We reaffirm the right to a voluntary and safe return with international and UN guarantees, ensuring the necessary protection for them."