This paper addresses the possibility to return of the IDPs from Deir Ezzor, who are in the Autonomous Administration’s areas of control in the governorate, to government control areas in Deir Ezzor, where calls by the Syrian government for IDPs to return to their areas are repeating with a pledge not to prosecute them. But these calls have not yet seen a significant response for many reasons, including security concerns and the economic situation in the Syrian government areas.
The paper contains three main areas; the first one highlights the possibility of the return of IDPs in Deir Ezzor to the areas under government control in the governorate. The second one is about conditions they face in areas of displacement, whether by the Autonomous Administration, and the economic and security measures or conditions they impose. The third area is about conditions required for the return of IDPs.
The paper found that the government areas still lack measures for safe return of IDPs. Mostly, the IDPs do not trust the Syrian government’s promises not to be prosecuted after their return and settlement, and the uncontrolled foreign and local militias backing the Syrian forces spreading across various areas in Deir Ezzor, increasing the fears of IDPs to return.
JFL recommends that the return of IDPs requires international efforts to ensure their safety once they return and not rely on the government’s amnesty decrees and calls to return, and not classify the Syrian government areas as safe according to what is published on the pro-government media, or the military progress made by government forces and its allies. That does not change the fact that the government is accused of committing widespread violations and remains in power. Therefore, it is likely that the government will commit violations against the returnees in case of not reaching a political solution or lack of international guarantees to ensure the safety of returnees.
Read more: Returning under Threat – En
