International initiative to support returnees in Syrian camps

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Yesterday on Wednesday, the UN launched the Global Framework on United Nations Support on Syria and Iraq Third Country National Returnees to help dozens of Member States across the world to bring their nationals home.

“The initiative provides technical and financial support to address the urgent human rights and humanitarian needs, and responds to justice and security concerns in an age-appropriate and gender-responsive way, while also protecting children and victims,” the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said in a video message.

The UN estimated that 30,972 Iraqi and 11,136 foreign women and children from some 60 other countries remain in camps in northeast Syria.

Some had travelled to the conflict zone to join the fighting, others after the promise of a better life. Some were forced to go by family members or community leaders. Others may have committed crimes under duress or after being trafficked. Some were still children, others born there, the UN said. 

Approximately 77% of the children in the camps are under the age of 12 and 33% of those are under five, according to the UN.

It pointed out that the Global Framework has two objectives: to respond to and assist the needs of children and adults requiring protection, and to support requesting Member States to promote security and address accountability through prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration processes. 

“All support is grounded in national legal frameworks and fully compliant with international law, including international human rights, international humanitarian, and international refugee law,” the UN stated. 

“The Framework is currently being implemented in Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.”