ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida- The peaceful protests erupted in the Druze majority city of Sweida over the high inflation rate and deteriorating economic situation in Syria on August 17, 2023 continue on their second months. The people, who first took to the streets to demand a better living condition, have been demanding the change of the regime and the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 to end the 12 years of crisis in Syria.

‘We will not accept any foreign involvement’

Elham Jaafar, a retired teacher, has been participating in the protests since their first day. She decided to participate in the protests to raise her voice against poverty, humiliation, deteriorating living conditions and economic situation and the leaving of young people from the country in search of better living conditions. “We demand the Syrian government implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 and ensure justice and equality in the country. The needs and rights of the people should not be ignored anymore. We will not accept any foreign involvement,” Elham Jaafar told NuJINHA.

‘We should take to the streets and raise our voices’

In her speech, Elham Jaafar drew attention to the young people, who left the country due to economic reasons. She said, “I call on all women, whose children left the country, to take to the streets and raise their voices. We must demand better living conditions so that young women and men can realize their dreams in their country. Syria has lost its youth. We call on our children to return to Syria.”

‘We are against any interference in Syria’s internal affairs’

Another protester, Manya Hadif said that they took to the streets as a result of the oppression, humiliation and injustice faced by them. “We want to express what we think. We are against the interference of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Syria's internal affairs. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 must be implemented and criminals must be punished.”