Government of Canada repatriates Canadians from northeastern Syria

April 6, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada and Public Safety Canada, today issued the following statement:

“Around the world, like-minded countries are taking steps to repatriate their respective citizens from northeastern Syria.

“The safety and security of Canadians, both at home and abroad, is our utmost priority. Amidst reports of deteriorating conditions in the camps in northeastern Syria, we have been particularly concerned about the health and wellbeing of Canadian children.

“Canada has taken extraordinary steps to repatriate Canadian women and children identified in the Bring Our Loved Ones Home litigation. Today, 4 Canadian women and 10 Canadian children are being repatriated to Canada. As long as conditions allow, we will continue this work.

“We thank the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria for its cooperation in conducting this operation under a difficult security situation. Canada also extends its gratitude to the United States for its assistance in the repatriation and for playing a key role in resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

“Canada remains steadfast in its commitment in the fight against Daesh and global terrorism while vigorously defending human rights both domestically and abroad.

“Where there is sufficient evidence, law enforcement and public safety agencies will independently take the necessary steps to keep our communities safe.

“We reiterate that it is a serious criminal offence for anyone to leave Canada to knowingly support a terrorist group and those who engage in these activities will face the full force of Canadian law. We remain committed to taking every possible step to ensure the safety and security of Canadians.

“Due to privacy considerations, we cannot provide information about the individuals, and we cannot share details of the repatriation for operational reasons.”