The situation in Syrian camps for Moroccan women and children is dire, with over 476 Moroccans facing malnutrition and uncertainty concerning repatriation. Many were drawn to the region during the 2011 conflicts, and security concerns now hinder efforts to bring them back. Local advocates warn that neglect may cultivate future extremism as conditions worsen in the camps.
In the al-Hol and Roj camps of northeastern Syria, hundreds of Moroccan women and children live in dire conditions, facing malnutrition and fear of violence amidst stalled repatriation efforts following the fall of the Assad regime. “We do not sleep at night,” one woman expressed to members of the Moroccan Coordination for Stranded Moroccans in Syria and Iraq, illustrating the perilous environment they inhabit. There are approximately 476 Moroccans in these camps, including 103 women and 285 children, with their futures uncertain.
Moroccan citizens began to travel to Syria in 2011, inspired by a variety of motivations, including radicalization and the quest for purpose amidst unemployment and poverty. According to Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, 1,659 Moroccans went to Syria and Iraq, with 745 losing their lives and another 270 arrested upon return under anti-terrorism laws. However, repatriation poses significant political and security challenges, compounded by the shifting relationships between Morocco and Syria.
The Moroccan government’s reluctance to repatriate its citizens is heavily influenced by security concerns, particularly fears that returning individuals might pose threats to national safety. Recent arrests of individuals planning attacks linked to ISIS have heightened these fears, although human rights groups argue that neglecting these families could foster new extremism. “Neglecting these families only fuels resentment and radicalisation,” states the coordination advocating for their rights to return.
Conditions in the camps remain perilous, with widespread malnutrition and inadequate medical care. Many children lack basic educational opportunities, as some have not attended school since the conflict began. Furthermore, families feel the weight of political instability, fearing they will become collateral damage in ongoing conflicts. “The Syrian file is a ticking time bomb and Morocco has to prioritise it,” warned a representative from the Moroccan Coordination.
The plight of Moroccan women and children trapped in Syrian camps is fraught with danger as they face severe humanitarian issues amidst political inaction regarding their repatriation. The historical context illustrates a complex relationship with security concerns driving government hesitancy. Failure to repatriate could risk both their futures and broader security, suggesting urgent action is needed to alleviate their suffering and prevent further radicalization.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
