In Syria’s Al-Hol and Roj camps, Moroccan women and children live in fear amidst stalled repatriation efforts, with malnutrition and trauma prevalent. About 476 Moroccans remain in dire conditions, including many linked to ISIS. Security concerns hinder repatriation as Moroccan authorities grapple with potential risks of returning citizens, while human rights advocates warn of future radicalization from neglect.
In the Al-Hol and Roj camps of northeast Syria, hundreds of Moroccan women and children face dire conditions, fearing for their lives amid stalled repatriation efforts following the fall of the Assad regime. They live in a state of constant anxiety, as expressed by one woman who stated, “We don’t sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we’re all going to die.” Currently, at least 476 Moroccans, including 103 women and 285 children, remain in these camps, which house families of ISIS fighters among others.
The plight of roughly 88 Moroccan men imprisoned in Syria adds to the uncertainty, as many families are unaware of their status. Abdelaziz al-Baqali, a member of the Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq, remarked, “We don’t know if they are alive or dead.” Many women who came to Syria with their husbands did so with little comprehension of the ongoing conflict, now facing bureaucratic challenges regarding repatriation as Rabat remains hesitant to assist.
Moroccan casualties from the Syrian conflict can be traced back to 2011. From 2012 onwards, a wave of Moroccans, some radicalized and others escaping poverty, journeyed to Syria to join various militant factions. According to Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, approximately 1,659 Moroccans traveled to Syria and Iraq, with 745 reported deceased and 270 arrested upon returning home under anti-terrorism laws.
Repatriation poses political and security challenges, particularly since many detainees are managed by Syrian Democratic Forces. Moreover, Rabat and Damascus only resumed communications following Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Despite some thawing relations indicated by the Moroccan king’s recent congratulations towards Syria’s interim president, tangible negotiations for repatriating citizens remain stalled.
Activists have voiced frustrations over Moroccan authorities’ vague responses regarding the repatriation process. The Moroccan Committee for Those Stranded in Syria and Iraq expressed, “Whenever we contact Moroccan authorities, they say they are looking into their file. But nothing tangible yet.” The situation is similarly bleak in Iraq, where nine Moroccan prisoners are reported to endure severe conditions, with some facing torture and inhumane treatment.
Security concerns have made Morocco cautious about accepting its citizens back from Syria’s camps, particularly amid recent arrests related to Islamic State activities. Authorities fear that returning individuals, especially women and children associated with ISIS, may threaten national security. However, local human rights groups caution that neglecting these families increases the risk of radicalization and extremism in the future, as ongoing adverse conditions continue to impact them psychologically and socially.
In the Al-Hol and Roj camps, widespread malnutrition and limited medical aid have led to severe humanitarian issues. Many children have never attended school, growing up in a desolate environment marked by violence and fear. The Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq urged, “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb, and Morocco must prioritize it,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis.
The precarious situation of Moroccan women and children in Syrian camps underscores the urgent need for repatriation efforts. With widespread malnutrition and the psychological toll of ongoing violence, families remain in a perilous state. As negotiations falter, there is a growing concern that inaction could lead to future extremism. An emphasis on addressing humanitarian needs and improving security strategies is critical to ensure these individuals can reintegrate safely into Moroccan society.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
