Sydney Doctor Advocates for Repatriation of Australian Children from Syrian Camp
A prominent Sydney doctor is actively campaigning to bring Australian children home from Syria, while the federal government continues to stand firm in its refusal to provide repatriation assistance. Dr Jamal Rifi has spoken out about the critical situation facing 23 Australian kids, who were born to ISIS brides and remain in a detention camp in north-eastern Syria.
Urgent Plea for Australian Citizens
In an interview with the 7NEWS podcast The Issue, Dr Rifi expressed his deep concern for these children, emphasizing their status as Australian citizens. He told 7NEWS reporter Tim Lester, "I’m hoping for those kids to be no longer in detention and as Australian citizens to be in their country that they love, some of them without having seen much of that country." He added, "They’ve been in a detention camp far too long."
Dr Rifi has been assisting a group of 34 women and children, who were recently turned back to the camp just ten days ago. Currently in Lebanon, he described the camp environment as "fluid" and dangerous, with ongoing conflicts between Syrian forces creating an unstable situation.
Unstable Conditions in the Camp
When questioned about the safety of the women and children, Dr Rifi explained that while fighting has temporarily ceased, making them safer in that regard, the camp's impending closure and the transition between Syrian democratic forces and government forces pose significant risks. He stated, "If the transition is uncoordinated or chaotic, it may lead to some women escaping the camp or other people trying to take advantage of those women and children. We don’t know what is going to happen. It is a very unstable position."
Government's Firm Stance on Repatriation
Despite passports being issued and delivered to the group ahead of their failed departure attempt last week, the Albanese government has repeatedly stated it will not assist in their repatriation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been quoted saying, "If you make your bed, you lie in it." He further expressed, "And as far as I’m concerned, I have nothing but contempt for these people."
Call for Compassion from Australian Authorities
In response to the government's position, Dr Rifi has a direct message for Australian authorities. He urged, "They should look into their heart and they should have more compassion towards those kids." His advocacy highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the plight of these Australian children caught in a precarious situation abroad.
