Ethnic tensions: Human rights report calls for EU to end Erdogan’s terrorism in northern Syria

Ali Ragab

A Kurdish human rights report has confirmed that Turkey’s interference in northern Syria has deepened ethnic and sectarian divisions and tensions, pointing to the regions of northern Syria that have become insecure due to the demographic changes being carried out by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The report by the Violations Documentation Center in Northern Syria (VDC-NSY) addressed the social, economic and political effects of the waves of displacement from the areas of Tel Abyad, Ras Al-Ayn and Afrin as a result of the Turkish incursion.

Turkey’s interference in three major cities in northern Syria has brought about catastrophic conditions for the entire region and significantly exacerbated ethnic tensions in areas that had previously been coexistent, safe and stable, the report stressed. It added that the government of region’s Autonomous Administration had succeeded in providing suitable conditions for establishing development projects and supporting civil society, which contributed to creating a stable environment, pushing the region to become a populated and attractive economic center that provided employment and development opportunities.

The VDC-NSY called on the European Union to intervene to stop Turkey’s terrorism, ease ethnic tensions, and avoid further escalation, especially since nearly 600,000 residents have been forcibly displaced as a result of Turkish military operations and prevented from returning.

The report urged the EU to stop turning a blind eye and take action to press Turkey to stop Erdogan’s settlement projects, which represent a disastrous manipulation of social engineering that constitutes a blow to the region’s social structure and stability.

According to many reports, including from the United Nations, war crimes have been committed by Turkey and armed Syrian groups that support Ankara. These crimes have included field executions; the bombing of infrastructure, schools and hospitals; kidnapping and detaining civilians; seizing real estate, property, land, crops and livestock; emptying silos and cutting off water; and extorting residents for their livelihood and security.

The VDC-NSY’s report was based on 45 testimonies and took three months to complete. It highlighted the tragic situation of thousands of the indigenous population who have been forcibly displaced, while the area is being resettled mostly by families of pro-Turkish militants, which has escalated ethnic tensions.

The report also highlighted testimonies of discrimination faced by the local population as a whole, especially the Kurds, and that less than 4% have returned to their homes due to the difficult conditions and widespread persecution and discrimination.

The report also addressed issues such as property and housing, employment, government and community changes, and political and security changes. It concluded with several recommendations, including the need for the EU and UN to pressure the Turkish government to correct its imbalance, rather than turning a blind eye to the Turkish violations that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.