The chaos of weapons is besieging children and women… UN: Al-Hol camp is outside of security control

Damascus, Syria – The United Nations has warned that the sharp deterioration in the security situation inside al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is seriously hindering access for the UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations. This is exacerbating the suffering of tens of thousands of women and children detained there.

The international organization stressed that ongoing security threats, the presence of armed groups, and smuggling networks within the camp make it difficult to implement any relief operations or protection programs. This is occurring in the absence of a safe environment that guarantees the safety of humanitarian workers.

Al-Hol camp houses tens of thousands of refugees, mostly women and children related to families of ISIS fighters. They live in extremely harsh humanitarian conditions, with severe shortages of food, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, there is a widespread problem of internal violence, killings, and extortion.

The UN warns that the continued isolation of the camp, both in terms of security and humanitarian aid, could turn it into a “ticking time bomb.” This would be dangerous not only from a humanitarian perspective but also from a security perspective if radical solutions are not found. Whether through resettlement or by finding an international mechanism to address the situation of its inhabitants.