Moroccan women and children in Syrian camps face severe living conditions and fears as their repatriation remains uncertain. Despite Morocco’s previous engagement, negotiations on detainees are stalled, as security concerns dominate the government’s approach. The lack of education and healthcare threatens to breed new cycles of extremism, urging Moroccan authorities and rights groups to confront the crisis before it escalates further.
In the al-Hol camp, located in northeastern Syria, numerous Moroccan women and children are enduring dire straits, facing malnutrition and statelessness, as hopes for their repatriation diminish. Many live in constant fear about their future, one woman lamented, “We do not sleep at night. If fighting erupts, we are all going to die.” Currently, 476 Moroccans remain trapped in amid thousands of IDPs from various nationalities, most associated with IS fighters.
The majority of these Moroccan nationals arrived in Syria after 2011, motivated by factors such as radical ideologies or desperation due to economic hardships. Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations reports that approximately 1,659 Moroccans ventured to Syria and Iraq, with about 745 losing their lives. The remaining detainees face uncertain futures, and the Moroccan government is reluctant to negotiate repatriation discussions.
Amid the complex regional dynamics, negotiations over returning detainees remain stagnant, as Moroccan authorities express limited progress in dealing with their files. Meanwhile, conditions of incarceration in Iraq also raise concerns, with reports of detainees enduring torturous conditions. One Moroccan woman has even received a life sentence after what observers claimed was a farcical trial.
Moroccan authorities are apprehensive about security implications related to the return of citizens from Syria and Iraq—these fears have intensified following the apprehension of several ISIS-related cells. Human rights advocates warn that the continued neglect of these families in camps could exacerbate radicalization among the youth, advocating for their repatriation to mitigate future risks. Inside the camps, many children have yet to access education, underscoring the urgency of this humanitarian crisis.
Amidst political instability, there is increasing pressure on Morocco to address the situation without delay. The Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq implores the government to prioritize this “ticking time bomb” scenario, recognizing that a proactive approach is essential to avert potential escalations in extremism.
In conclusion, the plight of Moroccan women and children stranded in Syria highlights urgent humanitarian concerns amid significant political and security complexities. The Moroccan government faces increasing pressure to negotiate repatriation while navigating fears related to national security. Addressing the deteriorating conditions in the camps and ensuring the dignity and rehabilitation of these individuals are imperative for Morocco’s long-term stability and security. Moreover, an immediate collaborative approach is necessary to prevent further radicalization of youth affected by this protracted crisis.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
