In Syria, hundreds of Moroccan women and children face dire living conditions in camps, with stalled repatriation efforts following the Assad regime’s fall. With many fearing for their lives amidst violence and uncertainty, calls for their return highlight a complex interplay of national security concerns and human rights obligations. Recent political developments have yet to yield tangible action on repatriation, leaving many Moroccans stranded and vulnerable.
In Syria’s Al-Hol and Roj camps, hundreds of Moroccan women and children endure harsh conditions, living in fear and malnutrition as their hopes for repatriation remain unfulfilled following the fall of the Assad regime. “We do not sleep at night,” shared one woman with activists. “If fighting erupts, we are all going to die.”
Currently, at least 476 Moroccans, including 103 women and 285 children, are stranded in these camps which accommodate around 8,000 individuals from 55 different nationalities, primarily families of Islamic State (IS) fighters. The uncertainties surrounding approximately 88 Moroccan men imprisoned in Syria further compound the anxiety faced by their families.
The situation traces back to 2011 when Moroccan men began departing for Syria amidst civil unrest. Some were radicalized by extremist ideologies, while others sought escape from unemployment. Statistics from Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations reveal that 1,659 Moroccans traveled to conflict zones, out of which 745 have died, and 270 were arrested upon their return due to anti-terrorism laws.
Despite the complex political landscape, significant barriers remain in the repatriation process. Many detainees are under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and diplomatic engagement between Rabat and Damascus has been limited. Recent diplomatic gestures have occurred following Bashar al-Assad’s fall, but recovery efforts for the detainees are reportedly at a standstill.
In Iraq, the conditions for Moroccan prisoners remain dire, with allegations of torture and unfair trials prevailing. One woman has already received a life sentence, deemed a “farce” by observers. Additionally, returnees from Iraqi prisons often lack documentation, leaving them in a precarious legal situation, unable to reintegrate into society effectively.
Moroccan authorities are cautious regarding repatriation due to national security concerns, especially following the recent arrests related to Islamic State activities. Authorities fear that returning individuals, particularly families associated with IS, could reintroduce extremism to Moroccan society.
However, human rights activists caution against inaction, arguing that neglecting these families might foster future extremism. The conditions in the camps, characterized by rampant malnutrition and limited medical aid, could lead to a new cycle of radicalization among children who have never received formal education. The situation remains urgent for Moroccan authorities to address the crisis, which local activists describe as a ticking time bomb.
In summary, the plight of stranded Moroccan women and children in Syria’s camps emphasizes the need for urgent diplomatic action and humane policies. With deteriorating conditions potentially creating further extremism, the Moroccan government faces complex challenges in addressing the fate of its citizens. The call for repatriation reflects deeper issues surrounding national security and the necessity of addressing historical grievances concerning these individuals.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
