Abstract
This article explores the legal and institutional responses to individuals returning from territories previously controlled by the so-called Islamic State (Daesh), with a particular focus on women and children. It examines the intersection of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and United Nations Security Council resolutions (notably 2178 and 2396), highlighting the normative and procedural dilemmas faced by states in balancing national security with international legal obligations. Through a comparative analysis of Kosovo and Tunisia – two states with distinct legal architectures and geopolitical alignments – the study identifies key inconsistencies in the classification, prosecution, and reintegration of returnees. Drawing on primary fieldwork conducted between 2019 and 2024, including interviews, court observations, and case studies, the article assesses legal frameworks, evidentiary challenges, and the role of informal justice mechanisms. It finds that current national approaches are fragmented and often lack gender sensitivity, procedural safeguards, and child protection measures. The study proposes a typology of national legal responses – punitive, preventive, and restorative – and offers recommendations for international harmonization, regional cooperation, and the development of rights-based, reintegrative legal models. Ultimately, the article argues for a paradigm shift from securitization to accountability and reintegration in the governance of Daesh returnees.
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