U.S. Welcomes Denmark’s Repatriation from Northeast Syria

The United States appreciates Denmark’s repatriation last week of 1 woman and 2 children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.

We are also grateful to our local partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, for their leadership in addressing this complicated situation. The United States supported Denmark’s repatriation and stands ready to assist other nations in their repatriation efforts.

Resolving the humanitarian and security challenges that followed the defeat and dissolution of ISIS’ so-called “caliphate” is a key priority for the United States and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Approximately 10,000 people, most of whom are vulnerable children under the age of 12 from more than 60 countries, remain in the al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria. Repatriation is the only durable solution for this population. The United States continues to work with countries around the world on repatriation of their nationals, especially vulnerable populations, from displaced persons camps in Syria. We urge appropriate rehabilitation and reconciliation within communities in countries of citizenship.

Separately, 10,000 ISIS fighters are being held in detention facilities across the region. This constitutes the single largest concentration of detained terrorist fighters in the world and remains a threat to regional and international security.