Australian ISIS-linked women and children return from Syria

Key facts

• Thirteen Australian women and children linked to Islamic State fighters are arriving in Australia on Thursday.
• Four women and nine children are expected, with most bound for Melbourne and one mother and child heading to Sydney.
• Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated some individuals will face arrest and charges.
• Charges could include terrorism offences and crimes against humanity, such as slave trading.
• Janai Safar, who previously vowed not to return, is arriving with her nine-year-old son.
• Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler emphasised the need to support the children's recovery and reintegration.
• Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the government provided no assistance for their return.
• Australian citizens cannot be legally prevented from returning without a formal exclusion order, none of which apply to this group.

Return from Syrian Camps

Thirteen Australian women and children, linked to Islamic State fighters, are expected to land in Australia today, marking a complex return from years spent in Syrian detention camps. The group, which includes four women and nine children, left a camp in north-eastern Syria nearly two weeks ago, travelling via Damascus before boarding flights to Australia. Their arrival brings to a close a period of detention in facilities like the notorious Al Roj camp, where they were placed after the collapse of the so-called caliphate. For many of these women, their journey to Syria involved following their Islamic State fighter partners. Upon the group's collapse, they found themselves in refugee camps, a situation that has persisted for years. The federal government confirmed their booked flights on Wednesday, setting the stage for their arrival. Some of the women expressed a sense of anticipation for their return. Speaking to the ABC from Doha, they described Australia as "like paradise" for their children, many of whom were born in Syria and have never set foot in the country. One woman noted, with a touch of irony, that one of the boys already possessed an Australian accent despite never having lived there.

Legal Scrutiny and Support for Children

The return of these individuals is shadowed by the prospect of legal action. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has issued a stark warning: some of the arriving women will be arrested and face charges. These potential charges are serious, encompassing terrorism offences and grave crimes against humanity, including slave trading. When questioned about these warnings by the ABC, the women declined to comment. The AFP has stated that while some women will be arrested, support services will be made available for the children. This dual approach acknowledges the differing legal statuses and needs of the adults and the minors. Authorities in two Australian states are preparing for the resettlement of the children, who have endured life under Islamic State rule and in squalid detention camps. The focus for these children is on providing them with the opportunity to recover, survive, and ultimately thrive in a new environment.

Key Figures and Divergent Views

Among the returnees is Janai Safar, a former nursing student who had previously vowed not to return to Australia, fearing criminal charges and the separation from her nine-year-old son. Safar, whose son was born in Syria, will arrive in Sydney with the child. Her father is reportedly expected at Sydney Airport, anticipating her arrest. A separate family group includes grandmother Kawsar Abbas and her daughters Zahra and Zeinab Ahmed, who are travelling with eight other children to Melbourne. A source close to Safar speculated that potential charges could relate to entering a designated exclusion zone or foreign incursion offences. Political reactions highlight a divide. Education Minister Jason Clare expressed faith in the AFP's capacity to manage the situation, stating, "This is not their first rodeo." He reiterated that children deserve a chance at a new life, as they did not choose their circumstances. Conversely, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described the return as "an unacceptable threat to community safety and social cohesion," arguing that adults who aligned with a "barbaric terrorist organisation" should not be welcomed back.

Context of Reintegration Efforts

Mat Tinkler, CEO of Save the Children Australia, has been a vocal advocate for the repatriation and reintegration of these families since the collapse of the caliphate in 2019 led to the detention of 34 Australians in Syrian camps. He stressed the importance of focusing on the children, two-thirds of whom are in this cohort, and providing them with a chance to resume normal lives. Tinkler pointed to previous returns of women and children, as well as successful reintegration efforts by other Western nations, suggesting that the "temperature should be dialled right down" regarding this group. He argued that the focus has too often been on the women's choices, overshadowing the plight of the children. from Syria suggest that evacuations from the camps may be underway, potentially increasing the likelihood of further Australian citizens seeking to return. The government has maintained that it has provided no direct assistance for this group's return, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirming he has issued only one exclusion order for an individual in Syria based on national security advice.

Legal Framework for Return

The legal framework governing the return of Australian citizens is a critical factor in this unfolding situation. Under current Australian law, citizens cannot be legally prevented from returning to the country unless a formal exclusion order has been issued. Such orders are typically based on advice from national security agencies like ASIO and are reserved for individuals deemed a significant risk. In this specific instance, none of the returning women and children are subject to such an order. This means their right to enter Australia, as citizens, is legally protected, regardless of the circumstances that led to their prolonged stay in Syria or their alleged affiliations. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has been clear that the government has not facilitated this repatriation. Their return is a consequence of their citizenship rights rather than any active government support or intervention in their journey from Syria.

The Children's Plight and Future

The children returning to Australia face a profound challenge in overcoming the trauma and deprivation they have experienced. Born in Syria or having spent their formative years in conflict zones and detention camps, their exposure to violence and instability has been extreme. As Education Minister Jason Clare noted, these children have "seen the sorts of things that no child should ever be exposed to." Save the Children Australia's CEO, Mat Tinkler, has passionately argued for a societal shift in focus towards these minors. He stated, "We need to focus on these children and give them a chance of resuming a normal life in Australia." This perspective underscores the belief that children should not be penalised for the decisions or circumstances of their parents. Reintegrating these children into Australian society will undoubtedly be a lengthy and complex process. It will require significant psychological support, educational assistance, and a nurturing environment to help them heal and build a future free from the shadows of their past. The success of this reintegration will be a crucial measure of Australia's response to the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the return of its citizens from conflict zones.

The bottom line

• Thirteen Australian citizens, including women and children with alleged links to Islamic State, have returned from Syria.
• Some of the returning women are expected to face arrest and serious criminal charges upon arrival.
• The Australian Federal Police will provide support for the children, who are seen as victims of circumstance.
• The return highlights the legal right of Australian citizens to re-enter the country, even from conflict zones.
• There are divergent views on the return, with some prioritising community safety and others advocating for the children's welfare.
• Reintegrating the children into Australian society is expected to be a long and complex process requiring significant support.