Australia Stands Firm: No Repatriation for Syrian Camp Detainees

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Tuesday that the Australian government would not be repatriating 34 women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group from Syria. The group was turned back to a camp in northeast Syria by authorities due to procedural problems, despite plans for their travel to Australia.

So far, only two groups have been repatriated with government help since the 2019 fall of the Islamic State group, while other Australians have returned without assistance. Albanese reiterated that the government has no obligation, either legal or moral, to repatriate these citizens and warned of legal repercussions should they return independently.

The underlying issue, particularly concerning the children affected, gains urgency following a recent IS-inspired attack in Australia, spotlighting the country's tough stance on former Islamic State supporters.