Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Australia Denies Return of Syrian Women, Children; Court Limits Liability

4/25/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On April 24, four Australian women and nine children left the Roj camp in Syria and were taken to Damascus for flights home.
Spokesman Jonno Duniam said the group was not vetted.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will not repatriate them and warned returnees of legal consequences.
The Federal Court rejected the 2023 lawsuit for 11 women and 20 children, ruling the government does not control their detention.

History

Historical Context

When John Howard ordered the Australian Defence Force to fly about 1,200 citizens out of Baghdad in March 2003 under Operation Falconer, it was Australia’s first major overseas evacuation. In April 2024 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and spokesperson Jonno Duniam refused to repatriate four women and nine children from Syria’s Roj camp, echoing disputes that prompted Federal Court limits on detention powers and renewed reform calls.

1 of 2

Story summary

On April 24, four Australian women and nine children left the Roj camp in Syria and were taken to Damascus for flights home.
Spokesman Jonno Duniam said the group was not vetted.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will not repatriate them and warned returnees of legal consequences.
The Federal Court rejected the 2023 lawsuit for 11 women and 20 children, ruling the government does not control their detention.

1 / 2