Lelun Afrin
With profound hope and humanity, the Lelun Association for Victims welcomes the liberation of Sednaya Prison and the release of its detainees. Sednaya, a notorious symbol of violence and human rights abuses in Syria, has finally been freed, and all prisoners have been released. This marks a critical turning point and offers a beacon of hope for those who have suffered under oppression and injustice. We hope this step signifies the beginning of a new era of justice and freedom for Syria.
In this context, the Association underscores the importance of liberating Afrin and its people from the ongoing abuses perpetrated by the Turkish-backed “Syrian National Army” factions. This is a long-awaited dream for every Syrian who believes in justice and human rights. Dozens of original Afrin residents remain imprisoned by these factions, enduring severe violations, including enforced disappearances and torture.
We eagerly await the day when Afrin and its inhabitants are liberated.
With the liberation of Damascus and Sednaya Prison, and the release of detainees and the missing from the prison’s depths, our hope for justice throughout Syria is renewed. We look forward to the day when all detainees are freed, and the fate of the missing is revealed—especially those detained by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions in Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tel Abyad. We also demand the accountability of those responsible for these violations and the assurance that they will not escape punishment.
The fate of the missing and the rights of victims
The journey to restoring rights begins with uncovering the fate of the missing and ensuring their safe return to their families. The return of displaced individuals, from all sects and ethnicities, to their homes, land, and property—along with proper compensation for victims and reparations for their psychological and social trauma—are essential steps toward achieving comprehensive justice.
Afrin: six years of systematic violations
Since the initiation of “Operation Olive Branch” in 2018, led by Turkish forces and their affiliated factions, the original Kurdish inhabitants of Afrin have faced a relentless wave of violations, including:
“Freedom Dawn” Operation: continued violations against the displaced
Amid the ongoing suffering, the “Freedom Dawn” operation has only deepened the plight of displaced Kurds in regions like Shahba and Tel Rifaat. This operation brought with it new violations, including:
Our message to those who believe in justice, humanity, and the local and international communities:
We call upon human rights organizations and the international community to exert pressure for:
Our message to the displaced and detainees of Afrin:
We stand with you in every step toward reclaiming your rights and freedom. We will continue to document crimes, gather evidence, and amplify your voices in international forums to secure the justice you deserve.
The Lelun Association for Victims reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fighting for human rights, the dignity of victims, and the creation of a future that guarantees peace and justice for all Syrians.
Together, we move toward a better tomorrow.