Statement issued by the Syrian Democratic Council regarding detainees, detainees and prisoners

In light of the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian and living conditions of Syrians in various regions, and the accompanying economic and security challenges, the Syrian Democratic Council affirms that confidence-building measures represent the main entrance to advance the path of a political solution. In this context, the Council reiterates its support for all serious steps to ensure the full and integrated implementation of the understandings of 29 January 2026 and to achieve tangible results on the ground.

The Council welcomes the release of dozens of detainees in Al-Hasakah governorate, and considers this step a positive sign that can be built upon.

In the same context, the Council refers to the steps taken in some other regions of Syria within the framework of the amnesty decisions, considering that they may constitute an important entry point to address this file, provided that they turn into a comprehensive and sustainable approach that guarantees the release of all detainees without discrimination, thus contributing to strengthening the climate of trust at the national level.

The Council calls for swift and serious action to begin the implementation of prisoner exchanges between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Government, as an urgent humanitarian step and one of the main paths for confidence-building within the framework of the 29 January understandings, in a way that contributes to alleviating human suffering and creating conditions to advance the path of a political solution.

The Council calls for the completion of this process through the release of all those detained on illegal or arbitrary grounds, in accordance with clear and transparent mechanisms that ensure respect for the rule of law and international human rights standards.

In this context, the Council stresses that the issue of arbitrary arrests continues to constitute one of the most prominent challenges affecting citizens’ confidence in the path of calm and political solution, stressing the need to address it comprehensively and throughout the Syrian geography, in order to ensure an end to this phenomenon and consolidate the principle of the rule of law and equality among all citizens.

The Council also welcomes the return of about 400 families from the displaced in Afrin to their areas, and stresses that this step, while important, must be part of a comprehensive and serious treatment of the file of the displaced and displaced, in order to ensure a safe, voluntary and dignified return, secure the rights to housing and property, and address the violations that accompanied the displacement operations in order to prevent their recurrence and enhance societal stability.

The Council stresses that the opening of internal roads and removing checkpoints, especially in the vicinity of the cities of Kobani and Al-Hasakah, constitutes an urgent humanitarian and economic necessity, as this plays a role in facilitating the movement of civilians, stimulating economic life and promoting civil peace, while guaranteeing freedom of movement and housing for all citizens without discrimination.

The Council believes that the successful implementation of the understandings requires, together with the will of the parties concerned, a supportive and responsible regional and international environment that contributes to consolidating these steps and transforming them into a sustainable path that promotes long-term stability.

It also stresses that the consolidation of stability in the various regions of Syria, including northern and eastern Syria, constitutes a fundamental pillar for the stability of the country in general, reflects positively on regional security, contributes to reducing the risks of chaos, and supports ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism.

The Syrian Democratic Council stresses that the implementation of the understandings must be carried out in a balanced and simultaneous manner by all parties, in order to prevent their disruption or emptying of their content, and to lay the foundation for a new phase of joint action based on trust and national responsibility.

Based on its vision of a decentralised democratic Syria, the Council renews its readiness to engage positively and actively in any serious national path leading to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that guarantees the participation of all Syrians, preserves the unity of the country and safeguards the dignity of its people.

The Syrian Democratic Council affirms that tangible progress in confidence-building measures, coupled with genuine political will, will pave the way for the launch of a responsible national dialogue, which forms the basis for building a new Syria based on justice, partnership and pluralism.

24 February 2026

Syrian Democratic Council