Canada repatriating 14 citizens from detention camps in Syria
The government cited deteriorating conditions in the camps as a reason to bring the four women and ten children home.
The Canadian government has said it is in the process of repatriating more than a dozen civilians from detention camps in northeastern Syria.
In a press release on Thursday, the government agency Global Affairs Canada said 10 children and four women would be returned to the country after being held in a Syrian camp for foreigners allegedly affiliated with ISIL (ISIS).
“Amid reports of deteriorating conditions in camps in northeastern Syria, we are particularly concerned about the health and well-being of Canadian children,” the agency said.
“Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to the fight against Daesh [ISIL] and global terrorism, while vigorously defending human rights both at home and abroad.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously faced criticism for acting slowly in repatriating Canadians held in the Syrian camps, which are known for their poor conditions.
Canadian outlet CTV News reported that the 14 civilians had been released from the Al-Roj detention camp, flown to Germany on a US military plane and put on flights to Canada on Thursday.
However, CTV reported that the number was lower than expected. In January, the Canadian government agreed to work for the release of 19 citizens – six women and 13 children – at the request of their families.
It then increased that number to 23 after a federal court ruled that four men should also be returned to Canada.
The 14 people repatriated on Thursday were among those listed in the original agreement.
But more Canadians remain trapped in Syrian camps. CTV reported that a 38-year-old Quebec woman is still trapped with her six children. She was not part of the January case.
A Canadian immigration attorney told the news outlet that children in the camps face risks, such as malnutrition.
According to Human Rights Watch, more than 42,400 foreign adults and children with alleged links to ISIL have been detained in camps in Syria since the group was territorially defeated in 2019.
Countries around the world have debated how to deal with citizens who have joined ISIS but now want to return to their home countries.
It remains unclear whether any of those repatriated to Canada could be prosecuted for alleged involvement with ISIL.
“When there is sufficient evidence, law enforcement and public safety agencies will independently take the necessary steps to keep our communities safe,” Thursday’s press release reads.
“We reiterate that it is a serious crime for anyone to leave Canada to knowingly support a terrorist group and those who engage in these activities will face the full force of Canadian law.”