International recommendations on ISIS families camps in NE Syria

The recommendations were issued in a written statement by a United Nations conference held yesterday at its headquarters in New York, focusing on the camps and detention facilities for families of ISIS mercenaries in NE Syria, foremost among them al-Hol camp.

The statement, published today by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called for the convening of the conference, noted the absence of participation from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of NE Syria, who are primarily responsible for the camps housing the families of ISIS mercenaries.

At the outset, the statement praised Iraq’s efforts in repatriating its citizens and encouraging other countries to follow suit. It emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to close the camps and intensify global efforts to address the security, humanitarian, and human rights dimensions of the camps and detention facilities.

The statement warned that “the deteriorating conditions represent a serious threat to national, regional, and international security,” calling for “comprehensive solutions that enhance the provision of services and access to support and education, while emphasizing the urgent need to reduce the number of detainees by repatriating citizens to their home countries.”

The statement focused on “adopting comprehensive approaches that involve both governments and communities, taking into account the individual needs of each person, providing specialized and non-discriminatory rehabilitation and reintegration programs, supporting vulnerable groups such as adolescents, ensuring accountability through legal screening and vetting processes, and supporting victims of terrorism.”

It also stressed “the necessity of highlighting the United Nations’ role as a primary platform for sharing expertise and best practices, expanding its role in designing and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, noting the vital role of regional organizations and the international coalition against ISIS in supporting repatriation efforts, and warning that a decline in multilateral international funding could affect the effectiveness of repatriation operations.”

The statement further included key recommendations: “accelerating the safe and dignified repatriation of foreign nationals, enhancing cooperation among member states through the exchange of expertise, training, study tours, and political advice,” in addition to “ensuring accountability for perpetrators of crimes and achieving justice for victims of terrorism, as well as designing, strengthening, and implementing comprehensive strategies for prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration.”

A-H 

ANHA