Canadian delegation visited AANES and brought over ISIS women and children

The Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria received a delegation from Canada and discussed several issues. After the meeting, 4 women and 10 children affiliated to ISIS were handed over to the delegation. The meeting was held between the delegation from Canada, and the representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). During the meeting, the political situation in Syria in general, and in Northern and Eastern Syria in particular, and the humanitarian, economic and security situation in the region were discussed. According to the official handover document signed between the representatives, the meeting ended with the Autonomous Administration handing over 4 women and 10 children from ISIS families.

The Canadian government initially refused to repatriate the families of ISIS, but after the families appealed to the Federal Court in December, authorities nevertheless agreed. Family members of 23 Canadians in North and East Syria – 6 women, 4 men and 13 children – requested the Federal Court to order the government to arrange their return. Canada decided in January this year to repatriate 19 Canadian women and children.

There are also those who are disappointed that the government is helping women return, while they await support for themselves. Recognizing the Yezidi genocide, Canada is still expected to take steps for the victims of the genocide. While the government has assisted to bring ISIS women to Canada, it has made little progress in persuading municipalities, such as Ottawa, to relocate Yezidi families. There is also concern that women who joined ISIS are less likely to be sentenced in Canada of playing an active role in the Yazidi genocide due to lack of evidence.