Full Story Exclusive: the Australian children of IS families speak to the Guardian
Feb 25, 2026
William Christou, an investigative reporter who travelled to al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, shares firsthand reporting from a remote detention site. He describes the camp journey and layout. He recounts children's reactions to a failed repatriation, traumatic personal stories, limited childhood experiences, and the political and humanitarian stakes around return and safety.
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Engage Local Authorities Early For Repatriation Access
- Reporters note Kurdish authorities want foreign countries to repatriate citizens and are eager to grant access for that purpose.
- William Christou says El Roj holds 2,200 people from 55 nationalities and the Kurds face a heavy guard and diplomatic burden.
Child Sees Outside World For First Time
- Children who have never left camp described seeing houses, trees and animals for the first time during a brief hour outside.
- Nine-year-old Asya saw houses, a donkey, sheep and cows and cried when she was returned to the camp after an hour.
Return Attempt Triggered Severe Trauma
- The repatriation attempt left mothers and children in shock; one mother collapsed and described a seizure from stress.
- Zahra Ahmed reportedly collapsed to the ground and her 14-year-old son Mohammed had numb hands and ongoing distress after being returned.