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A pair of Australian females and four youngsters have successfully escaped a Syrian detention camp and journeyed independently back to the state of Victoria, as demands increase on the Australian government to repatriate its nationals.

The Escape Journey

This group of two adults and four minors – with identities kept confidential – fled the infamous Al-Hol detention camp in northeastern Syria, covering over 500 kilometers to enter Lebanon, where they were able to obtain official papers from Australia in Beirut.

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

Australian Nationals Held in Syria

There are about 40 Australians – the majority being minors – held in detention camps in northern Syria. They are the family members of slain or jailed Islamic State fighters.

About 34 Australians – 14 women and 20 children – have been detained at the Roj facility near the border with Turkey, most since 2019. Several youngsters were born in the camp, and know no life outside it. A smaller number of Australians are understood to have been detained at Al-Hol closer to Iraq.

Not a single detainee has, currently, been charged with a crime or faces a warrant for arrest.

Dangers of Self-Repatriation

Sources with knowledge say the informal and ad hoc escape to Lebanon put the children at risk and that the females were detained in the country when attempting to cross the frontier. These observers contend that official and managed returns are much more secure, allowing for support services to be put in place for those returning, and for security services in the country to be ready for their arrival.

Situation in the Camps

Conditions in the Syrian camps are dire, with extensive malnutrition, illness and violent incidents. A recent report described a “unstable security” situation and a “public health crisis”.

“Services within the displaced persons camps are limited and overstretched and shelters inadequate, with flooding and fires making life dangerous. Displaced youth experience complex, severe trauma and mental health problems and psychological treatment is inadequate. Numerous minors in the camp have no family, making them especially at risk to radicalisation and recruitment.”

Human rights organizations describe conditions in the camps as “life-threatening”. The Al-Hol facility, housing thirty thousand individuals – more than half of them children – is regarded as notably unstable and dangerous.

Government Repatriation Efforts

For years, the national government has been under increasing pressure from families, lawyers, and advocacy groups to bring back its nationals. 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 late 2022, four women and 13 children were repatriated, also to NSW.

A legal action in federal court to force the authorities to repatriate its nationals was unsuccessful, with the court finding there was no legal obligation on the government.

However, the full bench of the court did find: “should the government demonstrate the determination to bring the … women and children back to Australia, based on available information, it would be a fairly simple process”.

Global Perspective

The US, which provides most security funding across north-east Syria, urges nations such as Australia to take their citizens back, and is even providing assistance to repatriate third-country nationals.

A congressional report argued: “the only durable solution to the severe humanitarian and security problems in the detention centers and displaced persons camps is repatriation. This explains why the United States encourages all countries to bring back their citizens from northeastern Syria.”

Official Statements

An Australian government spokesperson said the country was becoming “more volatile”.

“The government is not providing assistance and is not repatriating individuals in camps in Syria.

“If any of those people manage to return independently, our security agencies are satisfied that they are prepared and will be able to ensure public security.”

The spokesperson said national authorities had “been monitoring these individuals for some time”.

“We trust our institutions.

“Our travel advice still recommend citizens avoid travel to the country due to the hazardous conditions and threat of armed conflict.”

State Police Preparedness

A police representative said police were aware nationals in Syrian facilities may attempt to come back.

“Where required, local police collaborates with local and national authorities to facilitate the re-integration of women and children who come back to the state from Syrian detention centers.”