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Two Australian women and four children have managed to break out of a Syrian detention camp and made their own way back to Victoria, while demands increase on the government of Australia to bring back its nationals.

Their Route to Freedom

This group of two adults and four minors – whose names and ages are not being disclosed – escaped from the notorious Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, travelling more than 500km to cross the Lebanese border, where they were able to obtain Australian documents in Beirut.

They were subjected to identification and security checks in Beirut, before travelling to Australia by a commercial flight recently.

Australian Nationals Held in Syria

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

About 34 Australians – 14 women and 20 children – have been held in the Roj camp near the border with Turkey, most since 2019. Some of the children were born within the camp, and know no life outside it. A smaller number of Australians are understood to have been held in the Al-Hol detention camp nearer to Iraq.

Not a single detainee has, currently, been charged with a crime or is subject to an arrest warrant.

Risks of Independent Escape

Informed sources say the unofficial and improvised breakout to Beirut put the children at risk and that the females were detained in the country when attempting to cross the frontier. These observers contend that government sponsored and controlled repatriations are much more secure, allowing for assistance programs to be put in place for those returning, and for security services in the country to be prepared for the returns.

Camp Conditions

The situation in Syrian detention facilities are extremely poor, with extensive malnutrition, illness and outbreaks of violence. A recent report described a “unstable security” situation and a “public health crisis”.

“Facilities in the camps are inadequate and overwhelmed and housing insufficient, with flooding and fires making life dangerous. Displaced youth experience serious psychological trauma and psychological issues and mental health care is insufficient. Many children in the camp have no family, making them especially at risk to extremist influence.”

Human rights organizations describe conditions in the camps as “extremely dangerous”. 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 increasing pressure from relatives, legal representatives, and activist organizations to bring back its nationals. The government has undertaken two small-scale return operations: in 2019, eight children without parents, including a expectant teen, were returned to New South Wales, and in October 2022, four females and thirteen children were brought back, also to NSW.

A legal action in federal court to force the authorities to repatriate its nationals was unsuccessful, with the judges ruling there was no statutory requirement 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, on the evidence before the court, it would be a fairly simple process”.

International Context

The US, which funds the bulk of security operations across northeastern Syria, urges nations such as Australia to repatriate their nationals, and is even offering to help return foreign citizens.

A report to Congress argued: “the sole sustainable answer to the severe humanitarian and security problems in the detention facilities and DP camps is repatriation. That is why the US urges all countries to bring back their citizens from northeastern Syria.”

Government Response

An official representative said the country was becoming “more volatile”.

“The Australian government is not offering help and is not repatriating individuals in Syrian displaced persons camps.

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

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

“We trust our institutions.

“Our travel advice continues to advise citizens avoid travel to Syria due to the hazardous conditions and risk of violence.”

State Police Preparedness

A police representative said police were aware Australian citizens in Syrian camps may look to return home.

“Where required, Victoria Police collaborates with state and federal agencies to assist with the reintegration of women and children who come back to the state from Syrian detention centers.”