By Samah Abdel Fattah | 2025-07-30

Families once affiliated with the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) are successfully rebuilding their lives in Syrian communities through carefully orchestrated reintegration programs, specialists and observers said.

The reintegration process has gained momentum this year, with increased departures from camps in northeast Syria administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

More than three years ago, Kurdish authorities began accepting voluntary returns of families deemed non-threatening to communities, said Kurdish Red Crescent relief worker Nermin Othman, who is based at al-Hol camp.

In addition to Kurdish authorities, local non-government organizations and international agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are assisting with the reintegration process.

Tribes, security agencies and human rights organizations also are involved in overseeing reintegration programs that combine security screening, tribal sponsorship and comprehensive rehabilitation services.

The departure process follows multiple stages, beginning with thorough security investigations followed by coordination with tribal authorities, Othman said.

Tribal authorities sponsor released families by providing housing and employment opportunities while ensuring they avoid any "terrorist environment, particularly ISIS and its toxic ideology," Othman said.

Prior to their departure, families undergo psychological and social therapy sessions organized by age group and gender to facilitate societal reintegration, with children receiving the most extensive rehabilitation support.

These programs continue after camp departure through specialized institutions caring for children throughout northern and eastern Syria, offering summer courses that encourage long-absent students to return to school.

Successful reintegration

Roj camp social worker Samia al-Issa currently monitors former camp residents who are now distributed across Deir Ezzor, Homs and al-Raqa provinces.

Family and tribal support, combined with security protection, has created safe environments that significantly facilitate community integration, she said.

Meanwhile, follow-up by specialized teams helps families feel protected and receive needed assistance, al-Issa said.

Al-Issa cited numerous success stories, though she told Al-Fassel she could not disclose names for security and social reasons.

One woman in Deir Ezzor established a sewing project after receiving startup support, employing other women who left al-Hol camp, and selling clothing and uniforms to local residents and local government authorities.

Despite limited job opportunities for men, the region's agricultural nature provides numerous employment possibilities facilitating gradual integration.