4 stories for 2026-02-23
· Refugees, displacement & migrant/labor rights
· Syria
Syria closes al-Hol camp, prepares to take over Roj camp
Syrian authorities have closed al-Hol camp in Hasakah Province following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, relocating thousands of families with suspected ISIS affiliations. A second camp, Roj, is reportedly set to close soon with Syrian officials taking administrative control, though no exact date has been announced. The closures affect approximately 8,500 people held in camps housing families of men suspected of Islamic State affiliation in northeast Syria.
Committee formed to facilitate safe return of Kurdish refugees to Raqqa
A committee has been established in Raqqa to oversee the secure return of displaced Kurdish refugees to their homes in Raqqa governorate. The initiative aims to ensure safe conditions for returnees and coordinate the repatriation process. The committee's formation represents efforts to address ongoing displacement issues in the region.
Syria closes informal oil refineries in Deir ez-Zor amid economic and health concerns
The Syrian government is shutting down informal oil refineries operating in Deir ez-Zor province, a move that threatens the livelihoods of workers dependent on this sector but is expected to improve public health and environmental conditions in nearby communities. The closure marks a significant disruption to a local economy heavily reliant on informal petroleum processing operations. While the shutdown addresses documented hazards associated with unregulated refining, it leaves workers facing economic uncertainty.
3,000 Iraqis held in Syrian camp over alleged ISIS connections
Approximately 3,000 Iraqi nationals remain detained in a Syrian camp due to suspected ties to ISIS, according to an official statement. The detainees are held in a camp facility in Syria pending resolution of their cases related to alleged Islamic State affiliations. The continued detention reflects ongoing security concerns in the region regarding former ISIS members and their families.