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The 23 Australian children stuck in Syria are not responsible for their parents. They need our government’s support to return | Donald Rothwell

24 février 2026 à 04:23

If the circumstances of those from Roj camp become even more perilous, the Albanese government may be forced to intervene

Ever since news broke that 34 Australians were leaving Roj camp in north-east Syria to travel to Australia, their status and travel plans have been at the centre of a political maelstrom. The Albanese government has insisted there would be no repatriation of the 11 Australian women and their 23 children, whose journey was halted on 16 February when they were sent back to the detention camp.

The newly minted opposition under Angus Taylor has demanded answers to the level of assistance the Albanese government has provided to the group, including the issuing of passports, and the Coalition has now proposed new Australian laws to criminalise non-government financial and logistical support that helps the families return to Australia.