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Al-Hawl camp, located in the Syrian province of Hasakah, which is controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has been documented with various statistics about its population and the reasons for its continuation. Below are some key statistical facts based on available sources.
Camp population: As of mid-2023, the camp’s population has decreased to less than 50,000 due to releases or deportations to other countries, after it had been home to more than 60,000 in February 2021. The camp mainly houses women and children from many countries, especially Syria and Iraq.
Origin of its inhabitants and countries: The camp population includes Syrian and Iraqi nationals, as well as foreigners from more than 60 countries. In terms of nationalities, there are large numbers from Iraq (around 48%), Syria (37%), and others from various countries, including but not limited to European countries, Australia, the United States, and Central Asian countries.
Reasons for not dismantling the camp:
Security concerns: The camp is seen as a potential breeding ground for extremism due to the presence of many ISIS loyalists, where there have been incidents of violence, and the camp is part of broader concerns about the return of the extremist organization, and the risk of these individuals being released without rehabilitation or proper legal procedures is considered high.
Legal and humanitarian issues: Many countries are reluctant to repatriate their nationals due to concerns about terrorism, legal challenges in prosecution, and public backlash, while the lack of international consensus on how to deal with these individuals, particularly those from foreign countries, contributes to the camp’s continued existence.
Operational and logistical challenges: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control the camp, face resource constraints and security threats, making camp management and potential dismantling a complex issue, and the camp serves as a containment strategy for potential threats.
Humanitarian crisis: The camp has been described as suffering from dire living conditions, complicating any decision to dismantle it without ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
The camp’s continued existence is thus a combination of security threats, international reluctance to repatriate refugees, and the logistical and humanitarian challenges in managing the situation.
Finding a solution to al-Hol and the broader issues in Syria involves addressing multiple layers of security, humanitarian, legal, and international cooperation challenges. Here are some (strong/quick) and (simple) approaches that have been considered or could be implemented:
Strong/quick solutions
International cooperation and repatriation:
1- Global Coalition efforts: Create a stronger international framework where countries agree to repatriate their citizens from al-Hol camp, which would involve legal processes to ensure prosecution where necessary or rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
2- Security protocols: Prior to repatriation, individuals in the camp should be screened and verified, with the potential for those who pose security threats to be prosecuted in international or domestic courts.
3- Rehabilitation programs: Develop, lead, or advise on broad-based deradicalization and rehabilitation programs.
Regional Stability:
1-Political Solution in Syria: A permanent solution to Al-Hol camp will be part of a broader peace agreement in Syria, including negotiating an end to the conflict, and allowing for the safe return or resettlement of displaced persons.
2-Governance and Security: Transferring control of the camp to a recognized Syrian authority or international body that can more effectively manage the situation, ensuring that detainees’ rights are protected while maintaining security.
Humanitarian and Economic Investment:
1-Aid and Infrastructure: Increase humanitarian assistance to improve living conditions in the camp and invest in local infrastructure to support camp residents and surrounding communities.
2-Education and Job Creation: Programs to educate and employ young people, and reduce the appeal of extremist ideas.
Simple Solutions
1-Temporary Safe Zones: Establish temporary safe zones inside Syria or neighboring countries for those who cannot return home immediately, providing better living conditions and educational opportunities while they stabilize at home.
2-Gradual return: Implement a gradual approach to repatriation, starting with those deemed less risky or without criminal affiliations, which may mitigate public and political resistance in their countries of origin.
3-Local reintegration: For Syrian and Iraqi nationals in camp, work with local leaders and communities to promote reintegration, and provide incentives for communities to accept returnees, such as development assistance or community projects.
4-Humanitarian corridors: Create humanitarian corridors for those with no criminal ties to move to safer areas where they can receive assistance, education, and begin to rebuild their lives.
Both approaches (strong and simple) rely on international political will, funding, and commitment to human rights, and the success of these solutions also depends on:
A-Security: Ensuring that the release or transfer of individuals does not lead to a return to terrorist activities.
B-Legal frameworks: Developing or adhering to international legal standards for dealing with former combatants and their families.
C-Monitoring and evaluation: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts.
The catastrophic and rapidly changing situation in Syria, including the situation in Al-Hol camp, requires a multi-faceted approach that balances immediate humanitarian needs with longer-term security and political stability objectives.
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