Moroccan Women and Children in Syrian Camps: A Plea for Repatriation

In northeastern Syria’s Al-Hol camp, Moroccan women and children are enduring severe conditions amidst stalled repatriation efforts post-civil war. Stretched between fears of violence and political inertia, they represent a significant humanitarian concern. Moroccans fear the growing radicalization of their citizens due to neglect, while the government grapples with security concerns surrounding potential repatriates.

In the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, hundreds of Moroccan women and children endure challenging conditions characterized by malnutrition and statelessness, as they await repatriation amidst ongoing security tensions following Syria’s civil war. One woman expressed fear, stating, “We do not sleep at night” due to the threat of violence, highlighting the dire situation faced by at least 476 Moroccans still located in the camps, including 285 children and 103 women.

Many of these women followed their husbands into the conflict in Syria, often without a full understanding of the situation. Consequently, they now navigate a complex political landscape with little clarity regarding their future, as the Moroccan government hesitates to repatriate them. The journey to Syria began in 2011, with a significant rise in Moroccan men traveling to fight, influenced by various socio-economic issues.

According to Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, approximately 1,659 Moroccans have traveled to Syria and Iraq, resulting in 745 fatalities, with many others facing legal challenges upon return due to anti-terrorism laws. The political climate surrounding repatriation remains complex, with ongoing negotiations about the fate of detainees caught between the Syrian government and regional powers. In recent months, although Morocco and Syria have begun to re-establish relations, progress on repatriation negotiations remains limited.

Concern regarding the safety and repercussions of repatriating individuals arises from Morocco’s recent arrests of potential terrorist threats linked to the Islamic State. Moroccan authorities fear the implications of returning not only adult fighters but also children raised in conflict zones. Nonetheless, local rights organizations caution that neglecting the families in camps could exacerbate radicalization due to deteriorating living conditions.

As conditions worsen within the camps, with rampant malnutrition and restricted medical care, children continue to miss educational opportunities. The Moroccan Committee for Those Stranded asserts that Morocco must prioritize the issue, stating, “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb” and emphasizing the urgency to address the situation before it escalates further.

The plight of Moroccan women and children stranded in Syrian camps underscores the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian responsibilities. As repatriation efforts face political inertia, the need for timely action becomes increasingly critical to prevent the rise of extremism born from neglect. The ongoing negotiations between Morocco and Syria must prioritize the safety and rights of these families to ensure their rightful return.

Original Source: www.newarab.com