Aid organization condemns catastrophic conditions in Syrian camp

Humanitarian aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has denounced the catastrophic conditions in the notorious al-Hol refugee camp in north-east Syria.

In a report published on Monday, MSF criticised the lack of protection from violence, lawlessness, and the humanitarian situation of thousands of former Islamic State supporters as well as their family members in the camp.

"We are between two fires: the security forces and the extremists." It's a kind of prison. "There is no freedom here...," the report quoted a resident of the camp as saying.

Many fear that both security conditions and living conditions will continue to deteriorate and that they may be stuck in Al-Hol forever.

According to UN figures, more than 50,000 people live in the camp, most of whom are women and children, including foreign nationals.

In the report, the aid organization warned of the increasing influence of extremist groups inside the camp.

It also criticized mismanagement by the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who are in charge of the facility.

The NGO added that parents and caregivers have expressed deep concern for the well-being and psychosocial development of their children.

The report said on the basis of accounts from their patients, the residents of al-Hol, and staff testimonials, people inside the camp lacked access to earning a livelihood and "continue to be held in prison-like conditions with very limited access to basic services."

Kurds, who control areas in north-east Syria, have long called on the international community to find a solution and repatriate their foreign nationals who fought with the Islamic State.

Farhad al-Shami, director of the SDF Media Center, told DPA that "Islamic State" is an international phenomenon, not a local one.

"The efforts and sacrifices of the SDF to combat the organization must meet the criteria of solidarity, real international participation, and effective long-term support at the security, legal, and political levels."