Shamima Begum, who left east London at 15 to join the Islamic State in 2015, remains in a Syrian detention camp. A recent review of Britain’s counterterrorism strategy recommends that she and other UK citizens held in Syria be returned home.
The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism completed a three-year review, concluding that keeping British nationals in Syrian camps poses ethical and legal concerns. The report highlights that such camps could be viewed as “Britain’s Guantanamo.”
“The camps risk being seen as Britain’s Guantanamo,” the report stated, referencing the US facility that detained al-Qaeda suspects after the 9/11 attacks.
Members of the commission argued that those held in Syrian facilities are being detained without charge or trial, drawing parallels to indefinite detentions at Guantanamo Bay. They further stated that living conditions in camps like Al Hol and Al Roj constitute “inhuman and degrading treatment.”
According to estimates, between 50 and 70 British nationals—mostly women—are held in Syrian detention camps, along with 12 to 30 children. The commission emphasized the need for a lawful resolution for these individuals.
Author’s summary: The UK counterterrorism commission urges Britain to repatriate Shamima Begum and other detainees from Syria, citing human rights and legal responsibility concerns.