Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog

Kirsten Larson, Ph.D. Researcher, Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway

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Over the past few months, the international community has witnessed the most significant shift in power in the Syrian Arab Republic in decades. The fall of the Assad regime has sparked widespread debate about the future of the country, with questions of governance, stability, and international relations dominating discussions among scholars, humanitarians, and policymakers. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, there are vulnerable populations that cannot afford to wait for answers— among them are the children who remain trapped in camps and detention facilities in Northeast Syria. 

The instability in Syria has long had devastating effects on children, exposing them to unimaginable risks. The fragmentation of territorial control and the persistent escalation of conflict have turned the region into a breeding ground for violations against children’s rights. United Nations entities with investigative mandates in Syria – such as the Commission of Inquiry (COI), the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG CAAC) – have consistently highlighted these risks over the past decade. However, despite extensive documentation, the plight of children remains an under-prioritised issue in broader discussions about Syria’s future. 

Children in Camps: A Forgotten Population 

A report published by Amnesty International last year shed light on one particularly vulnerable group: children living in camps and detention facilities in Northeast Syria. Roughly 30,000 children from Syria, Iraq, and other foreign nations reside in these camps, which have drawn international attention due to their association with individuals allegedly linked to Da’esh (also known as ISIS or ISIL). These camps are managed by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), with military backing from the U.S.-led coalition. While these camps have been used since Da’esh’s territorial defeat in 2019 to detain individuals accused of affiliation with the group, it is crucial to note that women and children – many of whom were victims of Da’esh’s crimes – constitute a significant portion of their population. 

The precariousness of this population’s situation is underscored by the uncertainty surrounding territorial control in Northeast Syria. While AANES currently maintains authority over the region –keeping these camps operational and preventing a Da’esh resurgence – this status quo is far from guaranteed. The potential withdrawal of U.S. support under a new administration could destabilise the region further, jeopardizing both the security of these camps and the fragile balance maintained by Kurdish forces. 

Human Rights Violations Against Children 

For children residing in these camps, this instability compounds an already dire situation. Many are subjected to violations of their fundamental rights daily, including inadequate access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities (Amnesty p.22). A collapse of Kurdish-led governance could pave the way for a resurgence of Da’esh, raising grave concerns given the group’s documented history of exploiting children as fighters, child brides, or in other support roles (see here, p. 12).      

Additionally, there is an unknown number of Yazidi children among those detained. As targeted victims of Da’esh crimes during its reign, Yazidis were abducted en masse and subjected to atrocities such as forced religious conversion and sexual slavery (see Amnesty). Some Yazidi individuals remain detained alongside alleged Da’esh affiliates due to fear or stigma associated with coming forward about their victimhood. This further complicates efforts to ensure justice and reintegration for this vulnerable population (Amnesty, p. 143). 

Challenges to Repatriation 

The international community must recognise that safeguarding these children’s futures is not a responsibility that can be shouldered by one state or de facto government alone. It is a shared obligation that requires collective action. In their latest joint statement on Syria, UN independent experts called on states to “repatriate their nationals and provide effective protection, in particular women and children.” However, repatriation efforts remain fraught with challenges as some states view these individuals primarily as security threats rather than victims requiring protection. 

Since 2019, dozens of countries have repatriated nationals from Northeast Syria’s detention camps—but progress remains uneven. Countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have made significant strides toward repatriation and reintegration programs (see UNICEF). Others – including the United Kingdom – have been criticised for repatriating only a small fraction of their nationals, or failing to act altogether. 

Another layer of complexity arises from Syrian and Iraqi nationals who make up a large portion of those detained. For Syrians specifically, reintegration poses significant challenges given that Syria already has one of the world’s largest internally displaced populations. Resources needed to accommodate this population remain scarce amid ongoing conflict and economic instability. 

Accountability Mechanisms: A Step Forward? 

Although there are no concrete answers as to what Syria’s future may hold, there are actionable steps that can be taken to safeguard the rights of all children within the region. In December 2024, both the Commission of Inquiry for Syria and IIIM were able to enter Syria for the first time since their mandates were established. While these entities primarily serve investigative and reporting functions rather than enforcement roles, their presence on the ground signals an opportunity to strengthen accountability mechanisms across all parties involved in protecting children’s rights. 

Accountability is crucial not only for addressing past abuses but also for preventing future violations. Robust investigations into crimes committed against children – including recruitment into armed groups or trafficking – can lay the groundwork for justice initiatives that prioritize survivors’ needs. 

A Call for Collective Responsibility 

As debates about Syria’s future unfold on diplomatic stages worldwide, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of those who cannot advocate for themselves. The children trapped in Northeast Syria represent not just a humanitarian crisis but also a test of global resolve to uphold fundamental human rights amid shifting geopolitical realities. 

Governments must prioritise rehabilitation programs tailored to each child’s needs – focusing on education, psychosocial support, family reunification, where possible – and ensure long-term monitoring to facilitate successful reintegration into society.  

Conclusion 

The plight of children detained in Northeast Syrian camps underscores broader failures by both national governments and international institutions to address one of modern history’s most pressing humanitarian crises effectively. Yet it also presents an opportunity: by acting decisively now – through coordinated repatriation efforts backed by robust accountability mechanisms – the international community can reaffirm its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations even amidst political uncertainty. 

The road ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges– from resource constraints within host countries, such as Iraq and Syria, to political resistance among Western states – but the international community should not shy away from this challenge when the future of these children is at stake.