UN urges global action to repatriate children from Al-Hol Camp in North and East Syria citing extremism risks

AL-HOL, North and East Syria — In commemoration of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, the United Nation’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (IICIS) called on countries to repatriate children from the Al-Hol Camp in North and East Syria.

Expressing grave concerns over the perilous environment within the camp, where children are vulnerable to the indoctrination of extremist ideologies, the Committee emphasized the urgent need for repatriation to safeguard against radicalization.

On International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, @UNCoISyria calls on States to bring home their children from NE #Syria detention camps where they risk indoctrination, radicalization & inhuman treatment. States must continue seeking accountability for mass… pic.twitter.com/21dS4wLPpy

— UN Syria Commission of Inquiry (@UNCoISyria) February 12, 2024

Emphasizing the imperative of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Islamic State (ISIS), the Committee underscored the importance of continued international cooperation in this regard.

Under the supervision of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), the Al-Hol Camp currently houses approximately 8,000 families of ISIS foreign nationals, hailing from over 50 different countries, including women and children.

Increased ISIS activity within the camp led to a recent security operation that uncovered ISIS operatives, weapons, and ammunition.