In northeastern Syria’s camps, Moroccan women and children await repatriation amid dire conditions, facing malnutrition and fear of violence. At least 476 Moroccans remain stranded; most followed their husbands to fight in Syria. The complexities of their situation include security concerns and the struggle for repatriation amidst stalled negotiations. Local groups warn against neglect, which may foster future extremism. The urgency for an effective response is emphasized given the political instability in the region.
In the al-Hol and Roj camps of northeastern Syria, numerous Moroccan women and children endure dire conditions, living in fear as they await repatriation. Many are malnourished and stateless, expressing their anxiety about potential violence. One woman articulated their plight, stating, “We don’t sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we’re all going to die.” Currently, there are at least 476 Moroccans stranded in these camps, including 103 women and 285 children, amidst a global population of about 8,000 individuals from various nationalities—primarily related to IS fighters.
The roots of this crisis date back to 2011, as many Moroccan men ventured to Syria, driven by various motivations, including radicalization and attempts to escape economic hardship. While Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations reports that 1,659 citizens traveled to Syria and Iraq, the fate of many remains distressed. 745 have died, while others were arrested upon their return to Morocco under strict anti-terrorism laws.
The complicated status of detainees, many held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, adds to the already fraught situation surrounding negotiations for their release. Reestablished diplomatic communication between Morocco and Syria occurred only after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Though the Moroccan king extended congratulations to Syria’s interim president in February, efforts towards a concrete resolution for the detainees continue to be slow and unresolved.
In addition to the struggles in Syria, Moroccan citizens imprisoned in Iraq face severely challenging conditions, with reports of torture and unfair trials. Former detainees returning to Morocco find themselves in a precarious legal status without documentation of their imprisonment, affecting their reintegration into society.
Security concerns significantly influence Morocco’s hesitance to repatriate its citizens, particularly in light of recent arrests related to IS-planned attacks. The government fears that returning individuals might pose a security threat. However, local rights organizations argue that neglecting these families may lead to increased radicalization and future extremist activity, stating that the dire circumstances within the camps could create new generations of extremists.
Amid pressing political instability, families in the camps are increasingly fearful of becoming casualties if conflict resumes. The Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq emphasizes that the situation is urgent, suggesting, “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb, and Morocco has to prioritize it.”
The plight of Moroccan women and children in Syria remains critical, as they face malnutrition, fear, and stalled efforts for repatriation. While Morocco grapples with security concerns regarding potential radicalization, neglecting these individuals may exacerbate the situation. Urgent attention is required to address their needs and facilitate a just return to their homeland, lest the ongoing crisis evolve into an irrevocable threat.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
