Iraqis Moving from Al-Hol Camps to Operating Local Markets
Al-Hol camp, situated in northeast Syria's Hasaka governorate, has become a focal point in the humanitarian crises that followed the territorial defeat of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in 2019. Established by Kurdish-led authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the defeat of ISIS, the camp was initially intended to house displaced and detained individuals linked to the group.
Origins and Development -------------------------
Initially housing tens of thousands of people, the camp's population consisted mainly of Syrians, Iraqis, and nationals of other countries, with the majority being women and children associated with ISIS members. Conditions within the camp have consistently been described as dire by human rights organisations, with overcrowding, a lack of basic services, and pervasive violence. Detainees, including children, have often been held for years without charge, amounting to de facto unlawful internment.
Effects on Displaced Individuals ----------------------------------
The prolonged detention of individuals, particularly children born or brought into the camps, has led to significant violations of international human rights law, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children born in the camps face statelessness, lack of education, and the risk of radicalisation due to the harsh environment and exposure to extremist influences. Despite global calls for repatriation, many home countries have been reluctant to take back their citizens, leaving thousands in legal limbo.
Ongoing Issues ---------------
The presence of former ISIS affiliates, including radicalized women and children, presents ongoing security challenges for both camp authorities and potential host communities. This has led to further hesitation regarding large-scale repatriation or reintegration efforts. The situation in Al-Hol continues to spark debates about the ethics and efficacy of mass internment, the responsibilities of states for their citizens, and the long-term humanitarian and security consequences for displaced individuals.
One example of individuals trying to rebuild their lives is Salima and Saliha, who spent seven years in the Al-Hol camp. Upon their return to Iraq, they found their house empty and abandoned. Despite the challenges they faced, they opened a small store in Al-Baghdadi, Anbar, with the support of business management training within the EU-funded Reintegration through Integrated Support and Empowerment (RISE) program.
The ongoing management of Al-Hol involves complex coordination between local Kurdish authorities, the Syrian central government, and international organisations. Recent agreements have aimed to facilitate the return of Syrian families to areas under Damascus’s control, yet many remain confined to the camp.
In conclusion, Al-Hol camp remains emblematic of the deep humanitarian and security challenges posed by displacement crises following conflict with ISIS, affecting tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals from Iraq and Syria. The scars of war remain deep in Iraq, with unemployment in Ninewa being the biggest threat to safety in communities. Deep-rooted ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, insecurity, and intertribal conflicts further complicate the return of displaced people, as of August 31, 2023, with 1.1 million people remaining displaced across Iraq.
- In an effort to combat the challenges faced by the displaced individuals and their families, organizations are focusing on health-and-wellness initiatives, such as the EU-funded Reintegration through Integrated Support and Empowerment (RISE) program, which provides business management training.
- Mental health, particularly for children living in Al-Hol camp, is a pressing concern, as the harsh environment and exposure to extremist influences can contribute to their radicalization. Access to mental health services for both children and adults can play a crucial role in facilitating their recovery and integration into society.
- To address the health needs of women in the region, there is a growing emphasis on women's health programs that focus on family health and parenting. These programs aim to empower women, improve their family's health outcomes, and contribute to overall community well-being and stability.
