British Refuses To Take Back Its Own Children From Syria and Iraq

Human rights organizations across the world have been requesting nations to take back women and children of ISIS militants. According to AFP reports, as many as 60 children born under the Daesh ‘caliphate’ in Iraq and Syria are legal UK citizens. They are currently living in the region, in many cases with their mothers. But they have not been accepted back into their country.

Humanitarian organization Save the Children have confirmed that as many 300 children might have lost their lives post the exit of the caliphate.  Of these, 25 women had escaped with 60 children but did not get any consulate support despite escaping terror group territories.

These children are going through a harrowing time in war prone zones.  “Many have injuries or disabilities from the fighting, confirms George Graham, Save the Children’s lead on protecting children in conflict. Children above the age of 10 have been inflicted with sexual and physical abuse.

A report from the International Crisis Group (ICG) in the Roj and Al-Hawl refugee camps in northeastern Syria has a similar story to tell.

Children are reportedly suffering from winter intensified ailments, besides severe malnutrition, acute diarrhea, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis as well.

Strangely, the United Kingdom has been reluctant to take responsibility for its citizens in Syria. In February, then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced the UK government’s intention to strip citizenship from a Daesh wife Shamima Begum. It has been averting its responsibility of its citizens so much so, that Turkey sent UK citizen was arrested at the Heathrow Airport. Turkey has been under pressure of homing several war escaped civilians of which are British citizens as well.

Backed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Priti Patel, UK’s new home secretary blocked recovery operations for war-torn orphans and unaccompanied minors in October.  

The good news is that some western nations are taking back children caught in this inhuman turmoil These include France, Germany, Norway and Denmark  and even Canberra that has recently repatriated eight children and grandchildren of Australian Daesh fighters.

In light of this multinational response, charities and crisis groups expect the British government to do more.