Moroccan Women and Children in Syria Seek Repatriation Amid Uncertainty

Moroccan women and children in Syria’s al-Hol and Roj camps live in fear and instability, facing malnutrition and uncertainty as repatriation efforts stagnate. Approximately 476 Moroccans are stranded, and negotiations with Syrian authorities regarding detained citizens have stalled. The situation raises concerns about both security and humanitarian issues, as neglect may foster extremism. Calls for prioritization of the repatriation process have intensified amidst worsening conditions within the camps.

In northeastern Syria, within the confines of al-Hol and Roj camps, hundreds of Moroccan women and children endure a life fraught with fear and uncertainty. Stranded and malnourished, they express their distress, fearing for their lives if conflict re-emerges. “We do not sleep at night,” stated one woman to activists from the Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq, highlighting their dire situation.

Currently, 476 Moroccans, comprising 103 women and 285 children, are stranded amid approximately 8,000 individuals from various countries, primarily comprising families of IS fighters. The fate of 88 Moroccan men imprisoned in Syria remains even more precarious, raising concerns about their well-being. “We do not know if they are alive or dead,” expressed Abdelaziz al-Baqali, a member of the coordination group.

The origins of their plight trace back to 2011, when waves of Moroccan men departed to engage in the conflict in Syria. These individuals arrived through various channels, some radicalized, while others were driven by despair and the allure of a purpose. The Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations reports that 1,659 Moroccans traveled to Syria and Iraq, resulting in 745 fatalities and many arrests from those who returned.

Repatriation remains a complex issue fraught with security implications, as many detainees are under the jurisdiction of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), complicating their status. Following the fall of the Assad regime, Morocco’s relations with Syria have cautiously improved, yet negotiations regarding detained citizens have encountered significant delays. Tensions persist, with Rabat only having resumed dialogue with Damascus recently.

In Iraq, nine Moroccan prisoners are contending with what is described as “inhumane” conditions, facing severe treatment including alleged torture. One imprisoned woman has received a life sentence following a trial deemed insufficiently fair. Furthermore, Moroccan nationals returning from prolonged incarceration face a chaotic legal landscape, obtained no documentation regarding their imprisonment.

Moroccan authorities are apprehensive about the potential security risks posed by repatriating citizens from conflict zones. Vigilance remains critical, especially given recent arrests linked to terrorist plots within Morocco. The government fears the reintegration of former fighters and individuals raised in IS-influenced territories may rekindle extremist sentiments within the nation.

Nonetheless, human rights groups argue that neglecting these vulnerable families poses risks as well; the harsh conditions in camps could breed further extremism. “Neglecting these families only fuels resentment and radicalization,” opined the coordination advocating for their repatriation. Children within these camps experience malnutrition and educational deprivation, with many never having attended school due to the turmoil.

The escalating political instability continues to endanger these families, who fear becoming victims of renewed violence. “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb and Morocco has to prioritize it,” urged the coordination during their communication with authorities.

Moroccan women and children stranded in Syria face severe hardships, including malnutrition and a lack of security. The impediments to their repatriation stem from both political complexities and security concerns. While Moroccan authorities are cautious about the risks of reintegrating individuals linked to extremist groups, there is a pressing need to address the dire situation within the camps to prevent future radicalization. It remains crucial for Morocco to take action for the safety and welfare of its citizens.

Original Source: www.newarab.com