Six Canadian children who were previously held in a Syrian detention camp have been safely repatriated to Canada, as confirmed by Global Affairs Canada. The children arrived in Montreal following an overnight operation led by the U.S., which also facilitated the return of American, Dutch, and Finnish nationals.
The children’s return was part of a broader effort to address the situation of approximately 30,000 individuals, mostly children, still in the al-Hol and Roj camps in Syria. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining family units during such repatriations, though the Canadian children’s mother was not allowed to return due to security concerns.
Canadian officials, along with NGOs and child welfare services, are now focused on helping the children settle and integrate into Canadian society. The children are under the care of a designated family and receiving necessary support to start anew. This operation underscores the complex international and humanitarian efforts involved in repatriating nationals from conflict zones, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring their safety and well-being.