A Year Later, Syrian Refugees Still Long to Return Home

"I would have preferred to have died in my town than live in this camp, which feels like a grave."

But her hometown is not what it used to be even if she manages to return home.

Ankara's Syrian proxies — who have become bitter rivals of Syria's Kurds after successive Turkey-led operations against them — have made life intolerable for residents in Ras al-Ain and the nearby town of Tal Abyad, she said.

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"They are our enemies," she said, describing them as "mercenaries".

"They kill people, kidnap women, steal our homes and cars, and no one stops them."

'I brought my house key'

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned last month of growing violence and criminality in areas captured by Turkey and its Syrian proxies, including Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad.

Her office has reported a pattern of violations in recent months, including increased killings, kidnappings, and seizures of land and properties.

Those who are critical of Turkey and its armed groups bear the brunt of these violations, the UN said.