Syria Protection Cluster - Statement on Sponsorship Procedures Implemented by Military and Local Authorities in SDF-controlled Areas

Freedom of movement and the voluntary choice of destination by IDPs must remain the rule, in line with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights standards including the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Restrictions to freedom of movement can only be admissible for security reasons, and should be applied with the sole intention of protecting the civilian population. They must be communicated in a timely, transparent and clear manner. Freedom of movement is recalled in fundamental international human rights instruments, including those to which the Kurdish Self-Administration (KSA) declares to be abiding by.