UN conference urges repatriation, overlooks SDF, AANES role in Hawl Camp security
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A conference held on Friday in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations meetings, called for the repatriation of citizens from Hawl Camp in northeastern Syria as part of efforts toward the camp’s eventual closure.
Organized under the auspices of the Iraqi government, the conference gathered representatives from 180 countries, 25 UN agencies, 11 international organizations, and 8 civil society groups, according to the Iraqi National Security Advisor’s media office.
The final communiqué of the conference emphasized the need for strengthened international cooperation to address the security, humanitarian, and human rights challenges posed by the camps.
It underscored the urgency of facilitating the safe and dignified return of detainees to their countries of origin.
While the conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation, it notably sidelined the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the main parties responsible for securing Hawl Camp, fighting ISIS, and providing vital services.
Since the military defeat of ISIS in 2019, the SDF and AANES have borne the brunt of the challenges related to the camp’s management and security, enduring limited support from the broader international community. Their role in stabilizing the region, however, was not adequately acknowledged in the discussions.
The statement called for comprehensive solutions to ensure the provision of essential services, access to education, and adequate support for returnees.
It also highlighted the importance of expediting repatriations to reduce the number of detainees.
The communiqué stressed the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty during repatriation operations and called for increased collaboration among member states, including the exchange of expertise, study visits, and political consultations.
The role of the United Nations was also underscored, with a call for expanding its involvement in the development and implementation of rehabilitation and reintegration strategies for returnees.
In conclusion, the communiqué highlighted the need for integrated strategies that combine prosecution and reintegration efforts to achieve long-term stability and security.
Reporting by Malin Mohammed