The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, called on the international community to come together to find a “new approach” and long-term solutions as he wrapped a five-day visit to Syria.

Maurer visited Damascus, Darayya, Hasakeh and Al Hol camp during this trip.

Speaking about the women and children stranded in camps like Al Hol, Mr. Maurer said: "This is really the place where hope is going to die. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, child protection crisis with which we are confronted today."

"It is a scandal that the international community is allowing such a place to continue, and that this situation continues, not because of an insurmountable humanitarian problem, but because of political divergences which prevent finding a durable solution for those who have been stranded here in northeast Syria," he said.

He called on the international community to come together to find practical solutions for the nationals of more than 60 countries in Hol Camp, including tens of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians.

Of the estimated 62,000 people in the sprawling camp, two thirds are children, many of them orphaned or separated from family. They are growing up in harsh and often dangerous conditions. The ICRC is urging all states to take responsibility for their nationals in Al Hol and northeast Syria and make all efforts to repatriate lawfully, respecting family unity and fully supporting reintegration.