Syria has reported that Australia has declined to repatriate a group of individuals—comprising 11 women identified as “ISIS brides” and 23 children—who have been living in a detention facility since the Islamic State’s defeat in 2019. The Syrian government is now urging Canberra to collaborate on finding a resolution for these families.
According to Syria’s information ministry, an attempt by the group to leave the country was thwarted when they were turned back from the airport after the Australian government refused their return. The ministry expressed a need for coordination with international parties to facilitate a solution for the families still held in Syria.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly stated that his government will not provide any support for the repatriation of these individuals. Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed this stance in statements made during her visit to Beijing, emphasising that the federal government remains firm in its position against assisting in their return.
This group was previously turned away from returning to Australia in February for unspecified technical reasons. The Australian government is taking a hardline approach, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke managing to temporarily ban one individual from entering the country, though no other bans or passport denials could be enacted due to a lack of legal grounds.
If repatriated, some women in the group could potentially face criminal charges. There’s a political divide in Australia on the issue, with both the Labor party and the Coalition opposing the group’s return. In contrast, the Greens and humanitarian organisations like Save the Children Australia advocate for the safe repatriation of the children involved.
As the situation develops, the Australian public is awaiting further updates, especially regarding the status of both the women and the children, as well as the government’s ongoing response to the pressing humanitarian concerns.