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AFIC Reaffirms Support for Rule of Law Following Return of Australian Women and Children from Syria
09/05/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) reiterates its position that Australian citizens held in detention camps in Syria should be returned to Australia and dealt with under Australian law.
The recent return of several women and children, and the immediate laying of charges in some cases, demonstrates precisely why this approach was always the correct one. Australia has some of the strongest anti-terrorism and national security laws in the world, along with the institutional capacity to investigate allegations, prosecute offences where appropriate, and manage any genuine risks through the legal system.
“These matters should be dealt with in courts of law, not through political rhetoric or indefinite offshore detention,” said AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid.
Particular care must be taken to ensure that innocent children are not treated as extensions of their parents or permanently marked by circumstances entirely outside their control. Many of these children have already endured years of trauma, instability and displacement.
Australia has both a moral and legal obligation to protect its children and ensure they are given appropriate care, rehabilitation and support.
AFIC also warns against the continued politicisation of the issue.
Over recent years, there has been intense public focus on these women and children, despite the fact that Australia is fully capable of addressing any alleged wrongdoing through its justice system. At the same time, there remain serious and unresolved public questions about Australians who have participated in, supported or facilitated conflicts overseas that many international humanitarian organisations and legal experts have characterised as involving war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide.
This raises broader questions about consistency in how security, accountability and international violence are discussed in public life.
“The rule of law must apply consistently,” Dr Jneid said. “Australia cannot selectively apply principles depending on politics, identity or which conflict is involved.”
AFIC calls on political leaders and the media to approach the issue responsibly, to avoid inflaming fear, and to ensure that questions of justice and accountability are handled through proper legal processes rather than public spectacle.
Australia’s legal system is more than capable of dealing with these matters fairly, lawfully and safely.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President
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