Australia’s prime minister has ruled out repatriating women and children from a Syrian camp housing people with alleged ties to Islamic State, after a failed attempt to bring dozens of nationals home.
Around 34 women and children from 11 families were expected to leave Al Roj camp on Monday and travel via Damascus to Australia. However, Syrian officials halted the process, saying departure procedures were incomplete, and the group was returned to the camp.
Speaking to ABC News, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would not assist their return.
«We have a very firm view that we won’t be providing assistance or repatriation,» he said, arguing the individuals had travelled overseas to support Islamic State.
Al Roj camp, run by Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria, holds about 2,200 people from roughly 50 countries, mostly women and children linked to suspected ISIS members. Many residents are not formally charged but remain effectively detained in the heavily guarded facility.
Camp director Hakmiyeh Ibrahim said the planned departures were organised by families rather than coordinated directly with Australian authorities.
The issue of repatriating citizens from camps such as Al Roj and the larger Al Hol has long divided governments, with human rights groups warning of poor living conditions and ongoing violence. While some countries have taken back nationals in recent years, others, including Australia, have maintained a tougher stance.
Albanese also warned that anyone who did return could face prosecution if they had broken Australian law.
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