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Two Australian women and four children have managed to break out of a detention facility in Syria and journeyed independently back to the state of Victoria, while demands increase on the Australian government to bring back its citizens.

The Escape Journey

This group of two adults and four minors – whose names and ages are not being disclosed – escaped from the infamous Al-Hol camp in north-east Syria, travelling more than 500km to enter Lebanon, where they secured official papers from Australia in the capital of Lebanon.

They underwent identity and security screenings in Beirut, before flying to Australia by a regular airline recently.

Australian Nationals Held in Syria

There are approximately forty Australian nationals – most of them children – detained in camps in north Syria. They are the family members of deceased or imprisoned IS fighters.

Roughly thirty-four Australians – 14 women and 20 children – have been held in the Roj camp near the border with Turkey, largely since 2019. Several youngsters were born within the camp, and have never experienced life beyond its confines. A smaller number of Australian citizens are understood to have been detained at Al-Hol closer to Iraq.

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

Dangers of Self-Repatriation

Informed sources say the informal and ad hoc escape to Lebanon endangered the children and that the women had been arrested in the country when trying to cross the border. These observers contend that official and managed returns are far safer, allowing for support services to be put in place for those coming back, and for security services in Australia to be ready for their arrival.

Situation in the Camps

The situation in Syrian detention facilities are extremely poor, with extensive malnutrition, disease and outbreaks of violence. A recently published analysis described a “volatile security” situation and a “public health crisis”.

“Facilities in the camps are inadequate and overwhelmed and shelters inadequate, with natural disasters making life hazardous. Young detainees experience complex, severe trauma and psychological issues and mental health care is insufficient. Numerous minors in the camp have no relatives, making them particularly vulnerable to extremist influence.”

Human rights organizations describe conditions in the camps as “life-threatening”. Al-Hol camp, housing thirty thousand individuals – over fifty percent being minors – is regarded as particularly chaotic and violent.

Government Repatriation Efforts

For years, the federal government has been under growing demands from families, lawyers, and advocacy groups to repatriate its citizens. The government has undertaken two small-scale return operations: in 2019, eight children without parents, including a pregnant teenager, were returned to New South Wales, and in October 2022, four females and thirteen children were brought back, also to New South Wales.

A legal action in federal court to compel the government to return its citizens failed, with the judges ruling 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 relatively straightforward exercise”.

International Context

The United States, which provides most security funding across north-east Syria, urges nations such as Australia to repatriate their nationals, and is even offering to help return foreign citizens.

A congressional report argued: “the sole sustainable answer to the severe humanitarian and security problems in the detention facilities and DP camps is repatriation. This explains why the US urges all countries to bring back their citizens from north-east Syria.”

Government Response

An official representative said Syria was becoming “more volatile”.

“The government is not offering help and is not conducting repatriations in Syrian displaced persons camps.

“Should any individuals find their own way to return, our law enforcement bodies are confident in their readiness and will be able to act in the interests of community safety.”

The spokesperson said Australian agencies had “been monitoring these individuals for an extended period”.

“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 Victoria Police spokesperson said authorities knew nationals in Syrian facilities may look to return home.

“Where required, local police works closely with local and national authorities to assist with the reintegration of females and minors who come back to the state from Syrian detention centers.”