In Al-Hol camp, Moroccan women and children face malnutrition and uncertainty as efforts for their repatriation remain stalled. Many Moroccans entered Syria during the war, influenced by various factors. While recent diplomatic gestures suggest potential thawing relations between Morocco and Syria, negotiations surrounding detainee repatriation have yet to yield tangible results, raising concerns about both national security and the humanitarian situation in the camps. Local activists warn that neglect could lead to radicalization among the stranded families.
In the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, numerous Moroccan women and children endure a dire existence, plagued by malnutrition and fear of violence. Their pleas for repatriation have gone unheard, creating a sense of despair amidst uncertainty following the fall of the Assad regime. As one woman expressed, “We don’t sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we’re all going to die.” Currently, 476 Moroccans remain trapped in these camps, where families of Islamic State (IS) fighters are concentrated.
The plight of Moroccan nationals began in 2011, with many men departing to Syria, drawn by extremist ideologies or seeking escape from poverty. Of the 1,659 Moroccans who ventured to Syria and Iraq, approximately 745 are confirmed dead, while 270 were arrested upon return under stringent anti-terrorism laws. Despite the geopolitical complexities surrounding their repatriation, the Moroccan government remains hesitant.
Negotiations involving the return of detained Moroccans have stalled, despite resumed communication between Rabat and Damascus after the Assad era. The Moroccan king’s recent acknowledgment of Syria’s interim leadership may hint at improved relations. However, the Moroccan Committee for Those Stranded in Syria and Iraq reports inadequate progress, noting, “Whenever we contact Moroccan authorities they say they are looking into their file. But nothing tangible yet.”
Conditions for Moroccan detainees in Iraq are equally troubling, with reports of inhumane treatment and torture. One woman has already received a life sentence following what many activists deem an unjust trial. Additionally, those who return from Iraqi prisons face significant legal challenges, lacking official documentation concerning their incarceration, which hinders their reintegration into society.
Security concerns regarding returned individuals loom large over the Moroccan government, especially following arrests of suspected militants within the country. Authorities fear that returnees, particularly those influenced by IS ideologies, could threaten national security. However, rights groups caution that neglecting families stranded in Syria could lead to further radicalization, thereby exacerbating an already volatile situation.
Currently, the humanitarian situation within the camps remains critical, with rampant malnutrition and little access to education for children. “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb and Morocco has to prioritize it,” warned representatives advocating for the rights of these stranded families. The fear and anxiety faced by these families highlight the urgent need for action from Moroccan authorities to ensure their safe return and reintegration.
The situation of Moroccan women and children in Syrian camps is dire, exacerbated by stalled repatriation efforts and crippling humanitarian conditions. The complex history of Moroccan involvement in the Syrian conflict complicates governmental efforts to facilitate their return, yet inaction may pose even greater risks by fostering future extremism. The urgent call for prioritizing this issue reflects both a humanitarian necessity and a significant security concern for Morocco. Immediate steps toward negotiation and repatriation are essential to prevent further deterioration of these families’ plight and potential future unrest.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
