U.S. Aid Suspension Worsens Humanitarian Crisis in Syria’s Al-Hol and Roj Camps
By Kardo Roj
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid has exacerbated already dire conditions in al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria, leaving tens of thousands of displaced people, including children, at risk, international organizations have warned.
The funding freeze, enacted as part of a broader U.S. policy shift, has severely impacted essential aid services, disrupting the delivery of food, water, and medical assistance in the region. Humanitarian agencies operating in the camps warn that unless urgent action is taken, the situation will rapidly deteriorate.
Aid Freeze Worsens Living Conditions
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), approximately 42,500 individuals remain detained in al-Hol and Roj camps under harsh conditions, many of whom are women and children of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members. The majority of these detainees have been held for years without legal proceedings.
“This funding freeze has left organizations scrambling to continue providing life-saving services,” a senior humanitarian worker told North Press. “Without immediate intervention, we are looking at a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.”
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which oversees the camps, has called on international donors to resume support, warning that further delays could lead to malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and heightened security risks.
Impact on Security and Stability
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), responsible for security in the camps, have also voiced concerns over the funding cut. General Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the SDF, recently told Sky News that the reduction in international support is undermining efforts to maintain order within the camps, increasing the likelihood of ISIS resurgence.
“The security vacuum created by aid cuts could lead to further radicalization inside the camps,” said an SDF security official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This isn’t just a humanitarian issue—it’s a security threat to the region and beyond.”
The U.S. Department of State initially imposed the aid suspension for a 90-day review period, leading to the halting of multiple aid programs. While some organizations received temporary exemptions, NGOs warn that short-term solutions are insufficient.
International Reactions and Calls for Action
The United Nations and several human rights organizations have urged Washington to reconsider its stance. On January 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver for “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” allowing some operations to resume. However, aid workers argue that this measure is only a temporary fix.
“Thousands of innocent lives are at stake,” said Hiba Zayadin, a senior Middle East researcher at HRW. “Countries must take responsibility for their nationals detained in these camps, and the U.S. must ensure aid reaches those in need.”
While some countries, including Iraq, have repatriated thousands of their citizens, European nations have been slow to act. France, the UK, and Australia have faced criticism for refusing to bring back citizens, particularly women and children, linked to ISIS suspects.
The Need for a Sustainable Solution
The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains one of the most severe globally, with over 100,000 civilians displaced since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Aid agencies stress that without a long-term political solution, relief efforts will continue to be hampered by funding uncertainties and shifting geopolitical interests.
Experts argue that while security concerns are valid, indefinite detention without due process is both illegal and unsustainable. The UN Security Council Resolution 2396 emphasizes the need for humane treatment and reintegration of individuals associated with armed groups, particularly children.
“The world cannot ignore this crisis,” Zayadin added. “Leaving thousands of people, many of them innocent, in limbo only fuels instability.”
As international pressure mounts, the question remains whether the U.S. will restore its aid commitments or whether the humanitarian situation in northeast Syria will continue to worsen in the coming months.