Save the Children CEO Paul Ronalds said:
“Save the Children welcomes reports that the Australian Government is in the process of repatriating eight Australian children and women from North East Syria.
“We commend the government’s commitment to bring these children home. These children have had their childhoods taken away from them, facing horrors and atrocities that are difficult to imagine.
“They are innocent victims of war and we’re pleased they will soon be reunited with their families back home to Australia.
“We know the local community will rally around these women and children and do everything possible to help them reintegrate in society. It has been a long and heart-wrenching journey for these families, and we know they are eager to be reunited with their loved ones.
“At least 50 other Australian children and women remain in the camps in North East Syria, including many who are sick and injured. We urge the Australian Government to bring them home too, as quickly as possible.”
“Save the Children is working on the ground in several camps in North East Syria, and we know just how dire the conditions are there. We look forward to assisting the Government in any way possible to help repatriate the remaining Australian children and women left in the camps.”
For media inquiries contact Evan Schuurman on 0406 117 937