Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a call to action for governments worldwide, urging them to urgently repatriate their nationals detained in northeastern Syria’s camps. The organization’s appeal underscores the severe humanitarian challenges faced by individuals trapped in these camps, notably al-Hol and Roj. These facilities, operated by the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), currently shelter approximately 42,500 people, the majority of whom are women and children.
The conditions remain dire, with acute shortages of basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical supplies. Moreover, detainees are reportedly exposed to violence and exploitation, circumstances that could potentially rise to torture or other degrading treatments under international law. HRW argues that the international community has a legal obligation to intervene, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which emphasizes the need for the reintegration and rehabilitation of individuals associated with terrorist organizations.
The plea from HRW follows the escalated tensions in the region, which deteriorated further after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Hostilities between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have disrupted efforts to stabilize and assist those residing in the camps. Against this backdrop, HRW has criticized the US government for its recent suspension of foreign aid to NGOs operating in these areas, a move that potentially exacerbates the existing crisis.
As articulated by Hiba Zayadin, a senior researcher at HRW, the international community must promptly act to prevent further loss of life. This requires not only legal prosecution of those guilty of crimes but also a commitment to reintegrating detainees into society, thereby fulfilling global legal responsibilities. For more details, visit JURIST – News.