Iraq Faces Challenges with Returning Families Linked to ISIS

Iraq is currently grappling with the complexities surrounding the repatriation of citizens with alleged ties to the extremist group known as the Islamic State (IS) from the al-Hol camp in Syria. As the Iraqi government increases efforts to bring back these individuals, local communities are expressing concerns regarding their reintegration.

Recent reports indicate that approximately 10,000 Iraqi nationals suspected of having affiliations with IS have undergone a specialized rehabilitation process at the Jadaa camp near Mosul. However, the acceptance of these returnees by their local communities remains a significant hurdle.

In southern Iraq, a journalist recounted the experience of her sister, who encountered a new neighbor recently repatriated from the IS-controlled areas. The returnee shared a harrowing tale of being abducted by IS and compelled to bear children for their fighters. Following vetting by the Iraqi government, she was allowed to leave the camp and is currently receiving social welfare.

However, the children of this returnee expressed nostalgic sentiments for their previous life in Mosul, which had been under IS control from 2014 until the group's defeat in 2017. This situation raises concerns about the mindset of those returning, as many still harbor fond memories of IS rule, which included financial incentives such as salaries in US dollars.

Since the near-total defeat of IS in 2019, many of its fighters were arrested or killed. However, their families, particularly women and children, remained in the al-Hol camp, which has been described as a 'closed camp' housing over 73,000 individuals, approximately half of whom are Iraqi.

Experts suggest that the camp's population can be categorized into different groups: those who actively supported IS, families with a member who joined the group but did not share their ideology, and individuals seeking safety who ended up in the camp.

The Iraqi government has been working to repatriate its citizens since May 2021, but the process has been slow. The urgency for repatriation has increased due to the uncertain future of the camp's governance, especially following recent political changes in Syria. The Iraqi authorities have accelerated repatriation efforts, aiming to facilitate two convoys per month and potentially repatriate all Iraqis by 2027.

However, the integration of returnees poses challenges. Local communities often harbor suspicions towards individuals associated with IS, stemming from the group's violent actions during its reign. Approximately 250,000 Iraqis could be affected by this stigma, leading to reports of violence against these individuals or their families, including housing destruction and harassment.

Additionally, returnees face economic challenges, with fears of competition for scarce job opportunities exacerbating community tensions. Concerns also exist regarding the potential for women among the returnees to engage in sex work.

Efforts for community reconciliation include initiatives where local leaders 'sponsor' returnees as monitors of their behavior, and some returnees are encouraged to publicly disavow IS. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; the success of reintegration often depends on the historical context of IS activities in specific areas and the responses of local communities.

To enhance acceptance, experts suggest improved communication strategies to inform communities about the rehabilitation processes and the identity checks that returnees undergo. A better understanding could foster a more welcoming environment for those returning from the al-Hol camp.