Moroccan women and children in Syria’s Al-Hol and Roj camps live in dire conditions, grappling with malnutrition and the looming threat of violence as repatriation efforts stall. Many fled to Syria in search of purpose, only to face uncertainty regarding their future. Negotiations for their return have stalled, amidst ongoing security concerns in Morocco about potential radicalization.
In the Al-Hol and Roj camps of northeastern Syria, numerous Moroccan women and children struggle for survival as repatriation efforts stall. Living in fear and malnutrition, they express their anxiety about potential violence, with one woman stating, “We do not sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we are all going to die.” There are currently 476 Moroccans, including 103 women and 285 children, trapped in harsh conditions, many of whom are families of former ISIS fighters. Additionally, approximately 88 Moroccan men are imprisoned in uncertain circumstances within Syria.
The plight of these Moroccans traces back to 2011, when many men left for Syria amidst the civil war. Their reasons ranged from radicalization to a desperate search for purpose amid local economic hardships. According to Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, 1,659 Moroccans ventured to Syria and Iraq, with 745 reported deceased and many others arrested on their return under strict anti-terrorism laws.
Despite recent attempts to restore contact post-Assad regime, negotiations on repatriation remain stalled. The Moroccan king’s recognition of Syria’s interim presidency in February hinted at diplomatic thawing, but meaningful action has yet to follow. Activists report that Moroccan authorities provide little progress on the status of these stranded individuals, instead claiming to be “looking into their files”.
Moroccan detainees in Iraqi prisons face severe conditions, with activists citing torture and unjust trials. One Moroccan woman has received a life sentence under dubious circumstances. Compounding the issue, returning prisoners from Iraq find themselves in a legal limbo due to a lack of documentation, further complicating their reintegration into society.
Morocco’s hesitance to repatriate its citizens derives from security concerns, particularly regarding potential radicalization upon their return. Recent arrests of individuals linked to Islamic State plots underscore these fears. However, local rights advocates argue that neglecting these families only exacerbates issues, as inadequate living conditions may foster future extremism. They contend, “Neglecting these families only fuels resentment and radicalization.”
In the camps, medical care is sparse, and many children have never been educated. With the political landscape remaining unstable, families express fears of being caught amidst violence. Activists assert that the situation regarding Moroccans in Syria is precarious, calling for immediate action to resolve their plight and ensure safe and fair repatriation.
The plight of Moroccan women and children stranded in Syrian camps highlights significant humanitarian and political challenges. As they await repatriation, their conditions deteriorate amid fears of violence and instability. Morocco faces a delicate balance between security concerns and the need to address the humanitarian crisis of its citizens. Urgent action is required to provide these families with both safety and justice, avoiding the potential for future radicalization.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
