IS-linked children: NSW plans their return from Syria camps

Published: 23 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

New South Wales authorities are preparing for the possible return of IS-linked children and women, amid ongoing tensions over their status in Syria. Federal and state agencies have been in discussions since late 2025 about the potential repatriation of some of the 11 women and 23 children currently residing in the Roj refugee camp. The premier, Chris Minns, emphasized that NSW is focused on a measured law enforcement response, while also safeguarding the welfare of IS-linked children trapped in dangerous circumstances.

The group recently attempted to leave the camp but were blocked by Syrian authorities, heightening concerns about the safety of the IS-linked children. Minns acknowledged the contentious debate in Canberra between the federal government and the Coalition, stating that while he has no sympathy for adults who left Australia to fight in the Middle East, the wellbeing of IS-linked children remains a priority. The premier highlighted that NSW agencies have been working closely with federal counterparts on contingencies, stressing that any return would involve strict legal scrutiny and protective measures.

“The reality is NSW government agencies have been working with the commonwealth since the end of last year about possible arrivals from Syria, from refugee camps,” Minns said. He further clarified that existing laws already criminalize Australians who leave to join terrorist organizations, and the state expects these laws to be enforced consistently upon any return. The premier’s remarks underscore a dual approach: upholding justice for adults while providing a safe environment for IS-linked children who have been inadvertently caught in conflict zones.

Debate over the group’s potential return has intensified in the federal parliament, with the opposition calling for stricter rules to prevent repatriation. Coalition members have criticized Labor for issuing passports to individuals linked to Islamic State, even as the federal government maintains that it will not actively facilitate the group’s return. The Passports Act grants Australian citizens the right to hold a passport, subject to certain restrictions such as criminal warrants, complicating the legal landscape around repatriation.

Minns emphasized that, regardless of political controversy, the NSW government would provide education services to any IS-linked children returning to the state. “I worry about where these children will be in the years ahead, and I worry about the consequences of doing nothing for them if they did return to Australia,” he said, acknowledging the long-term social and psychological support these children would require. Such statements reflect a careful balancing act between legal obligations and humanitarian considerations, as authorities navigate a complex ethical and security challenge.

Reports from the Roj refugee camp indicate rising instability, with Kurdish officials reportedly refusing to return tents after the group attempted to leave. Many families are now scattered, living with other camp residents after their possessions were seized and shelters destroyed. Eyewitness accounts describe near-nightly raids and increasing violence within the camp, underscoring the urgent need for protective interventions for vulnerable IS-linked children. These conditions have drawn attention from aid organizations, which advocate for evidence-based approaches rather than politically charged responses.

Angus Taylor, the federal opposition leader, announced plans to introduce legislation criminalizing the facilitation of re-entry for individuals linked to terror organizations. Taylor insisted that Australians who supported extremist groups overseas should not be allowed to return, framing the measure as necessary to protect national security. “We will take action and refuse to let people come here who abandoned Australia to support Islamic extremist terror overseas,” Taylor said, challenging Labor to back the proposed legislation. This political push reflects broader public anxieties about domestic security, citizenship rights, and accountability for actions abroad, which also directly affect IS-linked children.

Humanitarian organizations have urged caution against overly punitive rhetoric. Mat Tinkler, chief executive of Save the Children, warned that both government and opposition risk framing the situation purely as a political problem, rather than addressing the complex needs of IS-linked children. “It feels we’ve got a hardening position from the government and opposition, that’s seeking to deal with what’s seen as a political problem or a political opportunity,” he told ABC TV. Tinkler’s comments highlight the ethical tension between political expediency and principled, evidence-based care for vulnerable populations.

The legal framework surrounding the group’s possible return is intricate. Temporary exclusion orders, such as one recently issued to a woman in the group, ban entry for up to two years and reflect an interim approach to controlling movement. At the same time, Australian authorities are obligated to monitor the welfare of IS-linked children, who may require long-term psychosocial support, schooling, and rehabilitation. The interplay between national security imperatives and humanitarian obligations complicates policy decisions, requiring both legal precision and careful planning by authorities at all levels.

Minns reinforced that NSW is prepared to implement strong law enforcement responses in line with existing counter-terrorism legislation. Simultaneously, the government is developing frameworks to ensure education, healthcare, and social services are immediately accessible upon the return of IS-linked children. By taking a proactive stance, authorities hope to mitigate the risks posed by potential adult offenders while preventing further trauma for children caught in the conflict. This dual strategy emphasizes accountability, public safety, and the moral responsibility to safeguard innocent lives.

Security concerns extend beyond immediate repatriation. Experts caution that returning individuals may require close monitoring to prevent radicalization, support reintegration, and manage potential community tensions. Agencies must balance these security protocols with the imperative to offer IS-linked children normalcy, stability, and access to education. In doing so, authorities aim to prevent the perpetuation of violence and promote long-term rehabilitation rather than punitive isolation, reflecting evolving counter-terrorism strategies within Australia.

As discussions continue between NSW authorities and federal agencies, the situation remains fluid, hinging on diplomatic coordination with Syrian officials and the operational status of the Roj camp. The potential return of this group illustrates the broader challenges Australia faces in managing citizens involved in foreign conflicts, particularly when IS-linked children are affected. While the political debate remains heated, the focus on child welfare, education, and protective services demonstrates a commitment to principled governance under complex circumstances.

In navigating this issue, NSW authorities are emphasizing clarity, transparency, and adherence to the law, while also addressing humanitarian obligations for IS-linked children caught in conflict. The state government’s approach seeks to balance national security interests with the moral imperative to provide care and education for minors. By planning for both security measures and reintegration support, officials aim to address immediate risks while laying the groundwork for the children’s long-term wellbeing. The complexity of the situation underscores the tension between legal accountability, political pressures, and ethical responsibilities in contemporary Australian governance.

The Roj camp developments and increasing instability there highlight the urgent need for coordinated responses between international, federal, and state agencies. While adults linked to extremist groups face legal repercussions, IS-linked children remain vulnerable and dependent on structured interventions. NSW’s preparedness plan demonstrates an effort to anticipate challenges, safeguard vulnerable populations, and uphold the rule of law. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the human consequences of foreign conflicts and the importance of principled policy frameworks in protecting children’s futures.

As the debate unfolds, it becomes clear that the potential return of IS-linked children will require ongoing collaboration across multiple levels of government. Legal measures, educational support, and community reintegration programs must be carefully coordinated to address both security and welfare concerns. Authorities continue to monitor developments in Syria and maintain contingency plans for safe repatriation. Through a measured approach, NSW aims to mitigate security threats while fulfilling its ethical duty to protect innocent IS-linked children, highlighting the complex intersection of law, politics, and humanitarian responsibility.

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