Moroccan Women and Children Seek Repatriation from Syrian Camps
Moroccan women and children are stranded in Syrian camps, facing malnutrition and the threat of violence while awaiting repatriation. With 476 Moroccans, including 285 children, trapped amidst stalled negotiations and security concerns, the situation is dire. Authorities struggle with the complexities of repatriation while families hope for safer futures amidst deteriorating conditions.
In the Al-Hol and Roj camps of northeastern Syria, numerous Moroccan women and children live amid harrowing conditions, facing malnutrition and statelessness while fearing for their safety. The urgency for repatriation is palpable, as expressed by a woman stating, “We do not sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we are all going to die.” With 476 Moroccans stranded, including 285 children, they grapple with the aftermath of the Syrian conflict and the implications of Moroccan government policies.
The plight of these individuals dates back to 2011 when many Moroccans left to participate in combat in Syria, motivated by diverse factors ranging from radicalization to economic desperation. From 2012 onwards, a total of 1,659 Moroccans traveled to Syria and Iraq, with reports indicating that 745 lost their lives. However, the repatriation of Moroccans remains a complex issue entangled in security concerns and political negotiations.
Among the challenges is the uncertain fate of around 88 Moroccan men imprisoned in Syria. Abdelaziz al-Baqali, a member of the Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans, remarked, “We do not know if they are alive or dead.” Despite a resumption of contact between Morocco and Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, discussions regarding the imprisoned individuals have stalled, leaving families in despair as they seek answers.
In Iraq, conditions for nine Moroccan prisoners are similarly dire, with accusations of inhumane treatment, including torture, and one woman facing a life sentence under dubious circumstances. Those who have returned to Morocco after serving time in Iraq find themselves in a precarious legal position and live in isolation without proper documentation of their imprisonment, exacerbating their struggles.
Moroccan authorities express concerns about the potential security risks posed by the repatriation of individuals potentially connected to extremist groups. Recent arrests of suspects linked to Islamic State activities highlight the government’s apprehensions regarding returning fighters and families, fearing they may reintegrate radicalized individuals into society. Rights groups caution that neglecting these families could foster extremism among displaced individuals.
Within the camps, malnutrition is rampant, and lack of education for children remains alarming, with many having never attended school. Local activists stress that the deteriorating conditions could cultivate resentment and radicalization, urging Moroccan authorities to prioritize the issue of repatriation before it escalates into a more significant crisis. The Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans implores, “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb and Morocco has to prioritize it.”
The situation of stranded Moroccan women and children in Syrian camps reflects a broader challenge rooted in the complexities of repatriation and security. Amid ongoing political negotiations, the safety and well-being of these individuals hang in the balance, underscoring the need for urgent action from the Moroccan government. As conditions in the camps worsen, stakeholders must address the risks posed by neglecting these families to prevent future radicalization. In summary, the situation is pressing, and the Moroccan government is urged to take decisive steps towards repatriation, ensuring that all individuals involved are treated fairly.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
