Kyrgyz Women Concealing Sons Under Hijabs in Syrian Camps to Avoid Detention
Kyrgyz Mother Desperately Seeks Repatriation of Sons Detained in Syrian Camps
Adina, a Kyrgyz mother, returned to Kyrgyzstan from a Syrian camp last autumn, leaving her 20-year-old son, Nurmuhamed, behind in Syria. Nurmuhamed was detained by Kurdish forces several years ago and his whereabouts are unknown. Adina, along with other Kyrgyz women in Kurdish-controlled camps, face the constant fear of their sons being taken away to juvenile prisons.
The heartbreaking story of Aitbek, who was allegedly taken to a juvenile detention facility at the age of 10, adds to the distress experienced by Kyrgyz families in these camps. Despite efforts to repatriate their children, many mothers like Aitbek’s have passed away without being reunited with their sons.
In the Al-Roj camp, another Kyrgyz mother anxiously awaits the next repatriation flight to save her two sons from potential detention. The mother reveals how Kurdish guards separate boys from their families, fearing issues related to puberty and sexual behaviors. The children in these camps suffer from lack of proper education and normal upbringing, leading to long-lasting psychological effects.
The Kyrgyz government acknowledges the responsibility of repatriating its citizens who joined IS in Syria. Through operations like Meerim, efforts are made to bring back women and children from Syrian camps and reintegrate them into Kyrgyz society. So far, hundreds of Kyrgyz citizens have been repatriated, but many families continue to await the return of their loved ones.
The plight of Kyrgyz mothers and children in Syrian camps sheds light on the need for urgent action and support from the government to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of those who were caught up in the conflict. Stories like Adina’s and Aitbek’s serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by families affected by the conflict in Syria.
