How a forgotten hell hole in north-east Syria impacts millions of people in the UK

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"The sandstorm raged so suddenly, the air became opaque and tents began to move. Children struggled to take cover while their mothers braced for the worst. This is midsummer in north-East Syria. Camp Roj and its sister camp, Al-Hol, are home to 42,000 people, primarily the wives, other adult female relatives and children of male Isis suspects. Guarded by Kurdish-led forces, no-one can leave."

"In Roj, there are between 15 and 20 women and 30 to 40 children, most under ten years-old, who are linked in some way to the UK. The United Nations says the conditions are inhuman, dangerous and degrading, raising serious concerns under international law. The Kurdish-led authorities who staff the camps tell me they lack the resources to do this indefinitely especially after the punishing USAID cuts."

Journalists cover reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech while investigating political financing and producing documentaries on women fighting for reproductive rights. Donations fund reporters to travel, interview both sides, and keep quality journalism accessible without paywalls, funded by those who can afford it. Camp Roj and Al-Hol in north-East Syria house about 42,000 people, mainly wives, female relatives and children of male Isis suspects, and are guarded by Kurdish-led forces that prevent departure. Dozens of camp residents are linked to the UK, including 15–20 women and 30–40 children, while UN findings describe conditions as inhuman and dangerous, and Kurdish authorities cite resource shortages after USAID cuts, raising international law and repatriation concerns.

Read at www.independent.co.uk