03/29/2019 Syria (International Christian Concern) – Just days after the territorial defeat of the Islamic State, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are calling for the establishment of an international tribunal to investigate and bring justice on behalf of the victims of ISIS’s crimes. ISIS had perpetrated a violent genocide against religious minorities beginning in the year 2014.

The SDF has repeatedly warned that they are beyond capacity in dealing with the aftermath of ISIS. The SDF is detaining in camps over 12,000 women and children who were part of the families of ISIS. The SDF is also detaining over 8,000 ISIS fighters, including 1,000 foreign fighters, in prison. A lack of resources has put enormous strain on the SDF in managing this situation.

They have warned that without more resources, they may have to start releasing fighters. For this reason, the SDF is asking for an international tribunal. They hope that this mechanism will help relieve the pressure by allowing foreign governments the opportunity to take responsibility over their fighters.

Most of these prisoners and detained individuals affiliated with ISIS are kept close to the Syrian-Iraq border. However, not all ISIS members have been captured. Many have escaped, where they have either melted back into society or continue using insurgency tactics. This situation inserts additional insecurities into an already unstable environment, further frustrating efforts for communities destroyed by ISIS to rebuild their lives.

For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].