Moroccan women and children in al-Hol camp, Syria, are in dire conditions, with fears of violence and malnutrition. Approximately 476 remain stranded, amidst stalled repatriation due to political complications. The Moroccan government’s security concerns regarding potential radicalization of returnees hinder their return, while local activists warn that neglecting these families may fuel future extremism. Immediate action is necessary to address these humanitarian issues.
In the al-Hol camp of northeastern Syria, approximately 476 Moroccan women and children are stranded amid harsh conditions, facing constant fear and malnutrition. The situation has worsened due to stalled repatriation efforts following the fall of the Assad regime. “We don’t sleep at night,” lamented one woman, who expressed concerns over the potential danger if violence were to break out.
The Moroccan contingent includes 103 women and 285 children, with the camps heavily populated by families of IS fighters, which complicates the repatriation process. Additionally, around 88 Moroccan men remain imprisoned in Syria, with their fates uncertain. Abdelaziz al-Baqali from the coordination group highlighted, “We don’t know if they are alive or dead.”
The plight of these individuals can be traced back to 2011, when many Moroccans left for Syria amidst conflicts. While some were radicalized, others were driven by poverty and the search for purpose. Approximately 1,659 Moroccans traveled to conflict zones, with 745 reported dead and 270 arrested upon their return under anti-terrorism laws.
Repatriating these individuals poses significant political and security challenges. Many detainees are controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, and negotiations concerning their status remain stagnant. The Moroccan authorities have shown hesitance to take action, complicating the future of those stranded. The recent improvement in relations between Morocco and Syria has not accelerated repatriation.
In a dire report, Moroccan activists reveal that the situation in Iraq is equally troubling, where prisoners are subjected to inhumane conditions, and false confessions are reportedly common. The legal status of returnees who served time in Iraq remains precarious, as they often lack documentation proving their imprisonment.
Moroccan security concerns underpin the government’s reluctance to repatriate citizens from Syria. Recent arrests linked to Islamic State plots have heightened fears that returning individuals could reintegrate into Moroccan society with radical ideologies. Local rights groups warn that the neglect of these families could foster extremism in future generations.
Conditions in the camps exacerbate the risks, with rampant malnutrition and limited medical aid. The alarming absence of education for children emphasizes the impending threat to societal stability. The Moroccan Committee for Those Stranded in Syria and Iraq argues that, “Neglecting these families only fuels resentment and radicalisation.”
The Moroccan coordination group urges the government to prioritize the Syrian situation, as it represents a “ticking time bomb” for the nation’s security and social balance. The coordination underscores the importance of addressing these humanitarian issues amidst the complex political landscape.
Moroccan women and children stranded in Syria face dire humanitarian conditions and uncertainty regarding their repatriation. While Moroccan authorities grapple with security concerns and political complexities, local rights groups warn that inaction could lead to increased radicalization. Immediate attention to the plight of these individuals is crucial in preventing future extremism and ensuring their safety and rights. The situation calls for a careful approach that balances national security with humanitarian obligations, emphasizing the urgency of repatriation efforts.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
