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Two Australian women and four children have successfully escaped a Syrian detention camp and made their own way back to Victoria, while pressure mounts on the government of Australia to repatriate its citizens.

The Escape Journey

This group of two adults and four minors – whose names and ages are not being disclosed – fled the notorious Al-Hol detention camp in north-east Syria, travelling more than 500km to enter Lebanon, where they were able to obtain Australian documents in the capital of Lebanon.

They underwent identity and security screenings in the Lebanese capital, before travelling to Australia by a regular airline last week.

Australians in Syrian Camps

There are about 40 Australians – the majority being minors – held in detention camps in northern Syria. They are the family members of deceased or imprisoned IS fighters.

Roughly thirty-four Australians – 14 women and 20 children – have been detained at the Roj facility near the border with Turkey, most since 2019. Some of the children were born within the camp, and know no life outside it. A fewer of Australian citizens are understood to have been held in the Al-Hol detention camp closer to Iraq.

Not a single detainee has, at this point, been faced criminal charges or is subject to an arrest warrant.

Risks of Independent Escape

Informed sources say the informal and ad hoc escape to Lebanon endangered the children and that the women had been arrested in Lebanon when trying to cross the border. These observers contend that government sponsored and controlled repatriations are far safer, allowing for assistance programs to be established for those returning, and for security services in the country to be ready for their arrival.

Camp Conditions

The situation in Syrian detention facilities are extremely poor, with extensive malnutrition, disease and violent incidents. A recent report described a “volatile security” situation and a “health emergency”.

“Services within the displaced persons camps are inadequate and overwhelmed and shelters inadequate, with flooding and fires making life hazardous. Displaced youth experience complex, severe trauma and mental health problems and mental health care is insufficient. Many children in the camp have no relatives, making them particularly vulnerable to radicalisation and recruitment.”

Advocacy groups describe conditions in the camps as “extremely dangerous”. The Al-Hol facility, holding 30,000 people – over fifty percent being minors – is regarded as notably unstable and dangerous.

Official Return Operations

For years, the national government has been under growing demands from relatives, legal representatives, and activist organizations to repatriate its citizens. The authorities have conducted two small-scale return operations: in 2019, eight children without parents, including a expectant teen, were repatriated to NSW, and in October 2022, four women and 13 children were repatriated, also to NSW.

A federal court challenge to force the authorities to return its citizens failed, with the court finding there was no legal obligation on the government.

However, the judicial panel did find: “if the commonwealth has the political will to bring the … women and children back to Australia, on the evidence before the court, it would be a fairly simple process”.

International Context

The United States, which funds the bulk of security operations across northeastern Syria, wants countries like Australia to take their citizens back, and is even offering to help return foreign citizens.

A report to Congress argued: “the only durable solution to the acute humanitarian and security challenges in the detention centers and displaced persons camps is repatriation. This explains why the US urges all countries to bring back their citizens from north-east Syria.”

Government Response

An Australian government spokesperson said the country was becoming “increasingly unstable”.

“The Australian government is not providing assistance and is not conducting repatriations in Syrian displaced persons camps.

“Should any individuals find their own way to return, our security agencies are satisfied that they are prepared and will be able to ensure public security.”

The spokesperson said Australian agencies had “kept these people under observation for some time”.

“We trust our institutions.

“Our travel advice still recommend Australians do not travel to Syria due to the hazardous conditions and risk of violence.”

Local Law Enforcement Readiness

A police representative said police were aware nationals in Syrian facilities may look to return home.

“Where required, local police collaborates with state and federal agencies to assist with the reintegration of females and minors who return to Victoria from camps in Syria.”