Lelun Afrin
The testimonies and documented evidence in this report, prepared by researchers from the Lelun Association for Victims, reveal a profound transformation in the religious and cultural practices in Afrin, northwestern Syria, post-2018. What was once a region known for coexistence and ethnic diversity has been reshaped into a landscape where minorities face identity erasure, intimidation, displacement, and property confiscation, in clear violation of international law and minority rights.
This report documents the profound shifts affecting minorities in Afrin, a region in northwestern Syria, focusing on the period between 2018 and 2024, particularly after the 2018 military operation “Olive Branch.” The report draws on testimonies from ten individuals—Christians, Yazidis, and Alawites—who were native residents of the region and provides an in-depth analysis of the violations they experienced.
Afrin, located in northwestern Syria, was historically a model of religious and ethnic diversity, with Kurdish, an Arab minority, Yazidi, and Christian communities living together for decades. The region was historically characterized by its relatively open nature and acceptance of religious and cultural diversity.
You may read and download the full version of this report (73 pages) in PDF format by clicking here.