The Syrian Democratic Council affirmed that confidence-building measures represent the primary gateway to advancing the political solution process in Syria, amid the ongoing deterioration of humanitarian and living conditions faced by Syrians across various regions, accompanied by escalating economic and security challenges.
In a statement issued on February 24, 2026, the council pointed to its support for all serious steps capable of fully and comprehensively implementing the January 29 understandings, in a way that achieves tangible results on the ground.
The statement welcomed the release of dozens of detainees in Al-Hasakah Governorate, considering the step a positive indicator that can be built upon. It also noted that some other Syrian regions have witnessed measures within the framework of amnesty decisions, viewing them as a potentially important entry point for addressing this issue, provided they evolve into a comprehensive and sustainable approach that guarantees the release of all detainees without discrimination, thereby contributing to strengthening a climate of trust at the national level.
The council called for swift and serious action to begin implementing prisoner exchange operations between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government, describing it as an urgent humanitarian step and one of the key paths to building trust within the framework of the January 29 understandings, in a manner that would help alleviate humanitarian suffering and create conditions conducive to advancing the political solution process.
The statement stressed the need to complete this path through the release of all detainees and those held on illegal or arbitrary grounds, according to clear and transparent mechanisms that ensure respect for the rule of law and international human rights standards.
The council also noted that the issue of arbitrary arrests remains one of the most significant challenges affecting citizens’ trust in the de-escalation process and the political solution, stressing the need to address it comprehensively across the entire Syrian geography in a way that ensures the end of this phenomenon and reinforces the principles of the rule of law and equality among all citizens.
The statement further welcomed the return of about 400 displaced families from the city of Afrin to their areas, emphasizing that this step, despite its importance, must be part of a comprehensive and serious approach to addressing the issue of displaced persons and refugees. Such an approach should ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified return, guarantee housing and property rights, and address the violations that accompanied displacement in order to prevent their recurrence and strengthen social stability.
The council also stressed that opening internal roads and crossings—particularly around the cities of Kobani and Al-Hasakah—constitutes an urgent humanitarian and economic necessity due to its role in facilitating civilian movement, revitalizing economic life, and strengthening civil peace, while ensuring freedom of movement and residence for all citizens without discrimination.
The statement added that the success of implementing the understandings requires, in addition to the will of the concerned parties, a supportive and responsible regional and international environment that contributes to consolidating these steps and transforming them into a sustainable path that enhances long-term stability.
The council also affirmed that consolidating stability in various Syrian regions, including northern and eastern Syria, constitutes a fundamental pillar for the stability of the country as a whole, positively reflecting on regional security, reducing the risks of chaos, and supporting ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
The Syrian Democratic Council stressed that the implementation of the understandings must take place in a balanced and simultaneous manner by all parties, in a way that prevents their obstruction or the emptying of their substance, and lays the foundation for a new phase of joint work based on trust and national responsibility.
Based on its vision for a democratic and decentralized Syria, the council renewed its readiness to engage positively and actively in any serious national process that leads to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that ensures the participation of all Syrians and preserves the unity of the country while safeguarding the dignity of its people.
The statement concluded by affirming that achieving tangible progress in confidence-building measures, coupled with genuine political will, would pave the way for launching a responsible national dialogue that forms the basis for building a new Syria founded on justice, partnership, and pluralism.
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