U.S. Applauds Canada’s Repatriation from Northeast Syria


PRESS STATEMENT

MATTHEW MILLER, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

JULY 7, 2023

Canada’s repatriation of its nationals – two women and three children – from Roj displaced persons camp yesterday is a welcome effort in addressing the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges in northeast Syria. This repatriation builds on Canada’s repatriation of 18 women and children since October 2022. The United States supported Canada’s repatriation and stands ready to assist other nations in their repatriation efforts. So far this year, more than 2,200 individuals have been returned to their countries of origin, including the repatriation of more than 100 displaced persons to nine countries outside of Iraq and Syria in operations supported by the United States.

Resolving the humanitarian and security challenges that followed the territorial defeat of ISIS is a key priority for the United States and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh. Approximately 10,000 individuals from more than 60 countries outside Syria and Iraq remain in the al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria. Repatriation is the only durable solution for this population, most of whom are vulnerable children under the age of 12.

We are also grateful to our local partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and local authorities for their leadership and support in returning displaced persons to their countries of origin.