Canada repatriates 14 citizens from detention camps in Syria

His government cited deteriorating conditions in the camps as a reason for bringing the four women and 10 children home.

The Canadian government has said it is in the process of repatriating more than a dozen citizens of detention camps in northeast Syria.

in a Press release On Thursday, the government agency Global Affairs Canada stated that 10 children and four women would be returned to the country, after being held in a Syrian camp for foreigners suspected of being affiliated with ISIL (ISIS).

“Amid reports of deteriorating conditions in camps in north-eastern Syria, we have been particularly concerned about the health and well-being of Canadian children,” the agency said.

“Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting 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 moving slowly to repatriate Canadians detained in Syrian camps, known for bad conditions.

Canadian outlet CTV News reported that the 14 citizens had been released from Al-Roj detention camp, flown to Germany on a US military plane and embarked on flights to Canada on Thursday.

However, CTV reported that the number was lower than anticipated. In January, the Canadian government agreed to work to secure the release of 19 citizens, six women and 13 children, at the request of their families.

He then increased that number to 23, after a federal court ruled that four men must also be returned to Canada.

The 14 people repatriated Thursday were among those identified in the initial agreement.

But more Canadians remain trapped in Syrian camps. CTV reported that a 38-year-old Quebec woman is still being held with her six children. She was not part of the January case.

A Canadian immigration lawyer 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 suspected ISIL affiliation have been held in camps in Syria since the group was expelled. territorially defeated in 2019.

countries worldwide They have discussed how to deal with citizens who joined ISIS but now want to return to their home countries.

It is not clear if any of the returnees to Canada could face prosecution for alleged involvement with ISIL.

“Where there is sufficient evidence, law enforcement and public safety agencies will independently take necessary steps to keep our communities safe,” the Thursday news release read.

“We reiterate that it is a serious criminal offense for someone to leave Canada to knowingly support a terrorist group and those who engage in these activities will face the full force of Canadian law.”