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Syrian Mothers Urge British Mothers Not to Leave for Syria

Mothers who have sought refuge in Britain after witnessing the unbearable daily life under a brutal war in Syria have come forward with a strong message.

The Syrian women are urging British mothers not to consider travelling – least all moving – to the country, as the atrocious lack of security and public services has left them in desperation and bereft of hope for their homeland.

“Your children are now living in security, are provided with schools, a nice life and a beautiful future. So why take them to a war zone,” said Isaaf, one of the Syrian mothers.

The women, Faten, Esaaf, and Zakaa, have also written open letters to British mothers to look out for their daughters who may show a desire to travel to Syria.

In one letter, Zakaa makes it clear that she left precisely because of her children. She feared for the lives of her three sons – including one who has leukaemia – after her husband was killed by a sniper.

The medical services were cited as one of the main reasons for leaving the country, particularly as the women could not find provision to deal with the difficult medical conditions of their children.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said, “We are deeply concerned about the numbers of girls, young women and also families who are taking the decision to go to Syria, unaware of the dangers they face when they arrive and the fact that they are unlikely to ever be able to return home to their devastated wider families.”

New figures have revealed that about 60 British women and girls Mobdro who were reported missing are feared to have fled to the war-torn country last year.

A survey conducted by the national counter terrorism policing last year found that 66% of 11-25 year olds would speak to their mother if they believed someone they knew was at risk of being radicalised or joining a violent group abroad. This figure should be as high as possible.

 

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