Four women and 10 children were reportedly handcuffed and taken from the al-Hawl camp in northeast Syria late on Saturday night, with advocates expressing serious concern for their safety.
The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, who were allies with Australia in the fight against Islamic State, have control over the camp.
“Our ability to provide consular assistance and passport assistance to Australians in both Syria and Iraq remains extremely limited due to the exceptionally dangerous security situation,” the spokesperson said. But the Australian government has expressed concern that women in the camp could retain radicalised views, with some former brides of Islamic State fighters.
"They need to be brought home as soon as possible - there is no real excuse left for the Australian government," Mr Tinkler said.'Bring them home, judge them here': Government urged to help Australian IS relatives in Syria
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Over 200 UN staff in Syria test positive to coronavirusMore than 200 UN staff have been infected by COVID-19 in Syria as the global body steps up contingency plans to combat the fast spread of the pandemic in the country.
Read more »
Two Australian journalists rushed out of China amid diplomatic standoffTwo Australian journalists working in China have been rushed out of China over concerns for their safety after police demanded interviews with both men.
Read more »
'Intimidating and unnecessary': Australian journalists arrive home after being rushed out of ChinaThe final two Australian correspondents working in China have been rushed out of the country after police demanded interviews from them, in a situation described as 'regrettable and disturbing'.
Read more »
Julian Assange makes his way to date with destinyOpinion: The attempt to extradite Julian Assange is designed to stifle dissent, sending a chill through the ranks of investigative journalists worldwide
Read more »
Australian reporters evacuated from China amid serious safety threatsThe ABC's Bill Birtles and the Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith leave China following police questioning and warnings from the Australian Government that saw them each seek diplomatic refuge.
Read more »
Rush to remove Aussie journalists from China ‘highly disturbing’: Penny Wong | Sky News AustraliaShadow Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has reinforced the Labor Party’s support for a free press following a rush to return two Australian journalists from China over safety concerns.\n\nAustralian journalists Bill Birtles and Mike Smith were both flown home to Sydney following an encounter between ABC journalist Bill Birtles and the local police where he was asked to surrender himself for interviews.\n\nMs Wong described the situation as “highly disturbing”.\n\n“Australians believe that the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of opinion and the right of the press to press freedom is a core Australian value,' she said. \n\n“We believe Australian journalists and journalist everywhere should be able to do their work safely without the risk of intimidation or arbitrary detention'. \n\nMs Wong said a core national belief was the media plays a vital role in fostering respect and mutual understanding, key themes highlighted by the Chinese Embassies Deputy Head of Mission who spoke at a recent National Press Club address.\n\n“The return of these two journalists mean that Australia is, I think, without an Australian organisation having a representation in China for the first time since the 1970s.' \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »