Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for immediate action to repatriate thousands of nationals trapped in dire conditions at detention camps in northeastern Syria. The organization highlights the life-threatening environment faced by detainees, including women and children, and urges countries to uphold their legal obligations to prosecute those involved in crimes while facilitating reintegration efforts.
The camps, primarily al-Hol and Roj, house approximately 42,500 detainees, many of whom are suspected of having ties to ISIS. They live in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with limited access to essentials such as food, water, and healthcare. The worsening security situation in Syria has further exacerbated the risks, as ongoing hostilities between Turkish-backed Syrian forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) threaten to deepen the crisis.
Despite the defeat of ISIS in March 2019, many detainees remain without charge or trial, facing violence, exploitation, and inadequate protection. HRW’s Hiba Zayadin stresses that governments must take swift action, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which advocates for the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals associated with terrorist groups.
The humanitarian situation calls for urgent international attention to prevent further suffering, with HRW urging countries to ensure timely repatriation and support for individuals caught in these camps. The organization also criticized the U.S. government’s recent decision to suspend foreign aid to NGOs operating in these camps, hindering essential support for detainees.
The world must act before more lives are lost due to neglect and inaction.
