As of today, 60 Australian women and children are languishing in one of the most brutal camps on earth. 47 are children between the ages of 2-11, meaning they have lived in these camps all their lives.

The United Nations special rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights says the Australian government must intervene to repatriate women and children facing conditions akin to “torture” in camps in northeast Syria (SBS, 2022).

The Kurdish Administration, which controls this area, have urged the Australian Government repeatedly to repatriate our citizens, and the USA is ready to facilitate it. Other governments, such as USA and France, have already repatriated their citizens, only Australians have been left behind.

These are women and children who have not committed any crimes, many of them were taken against their will into Syria, and have since endured brutal and inhumane treatment. They are Australians who stand accused of no crimes and are willing to submit to any and all scrutiny for the chance to come home to their loved ones.

The Australian Government has the legal and moral obligation to repatriate them, they are citizens and must brought home. To leave them in these camps is akin to torture.

We urge the Prime Minister, The Hon. Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon. Clare O'Neil, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Hon. Andrew Giles and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Penny Wong, to work quickly to remove our citizens from this horrendous situation. The previous government showed no care or mercy towards our women and children, we hope this new government will be brave enough to do what needs to be done.