US lauds Austria’s repatriation of women, children from Syria

The United States has lauded the Austrian government for the repatriation of two women and three children from Roj displaced persons camp in northeast Syria Saturday, March 1, 2025.

According to the statement released by State Department Spokesperson, Tammy Bruce revealed that 23,000 individuals from more than 60 countries outside Syria remain in the al-Hol and Roj camps, most of whom are children under the age of 12.
“Of the total, about 3,800 are European nationals from 35 different countries”, statting that these actions reduce the risk of an ISIS resurgence in the region.

Repatriating nationals to their countries of origin is the only durable solution to the security and humanitarian challenges posed by al-Hol and Roj camps and detention centers in northeast Syria. 
The United States thanked the Austrian govt for working with us to repatriate its nationals, and also appreciated the local authorities in northeast Syria for its facilitation of these efforts.

“The Trump Administration continues to encourage countries to repatriate their nationals from northeast Syria.  As the dynamics in the region change, we cannot allow these challenges to fester”.
It was reported that Syria’s ongoing instability, damaged infrastructure, and lack of livelihood opportunities make it uncertain whether repatriation is safe or even desirable.

As such, host countries that are interested in safe, voluntary, and sustainable returns for many Syrians should put in place effective policies and reintegration support.

The fall of the Assad regime has opened up new discussions about the possibility of return for some of the 5 million Syrians displaced internationally since civil war began in 2011.