Finding Amira: UN calls on Canada to repatriate orphaned girl held in Syrian camp
In a statement issued Wednesday, UN experts noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new urgency to the matter, citing inhuman and crowded living conditions in the al-Hol refugee camp where thousands of other ISIS family members are being held.
The girl, identified as only Amira, was orphaned when her mother, father and three siblings were killed in the last battle to destroy ISIS in 2019. Her parents were Canadians who had left to fight for ISIS in 2014. UN experts warn that living conditions in the al-Hol camp are inhumane, “deprived of liberty,” and lacking in basic care, food, sanitation and medical care.
“This is an extremely complex situation. We understand and share the family's concerns,” Adam Austen, a spokesperson with Global Affairs Canada, told CTV News by email. “Despite these challenges, Global Affairs is evaluating options to assist further as we continue to advocate for the child's health and safety,” he noted, but would not provide further details, citing privacy concerns.
CTV News has been following Amira’s plight for almost a year, speaking with her family about their efforts to bring her home to Canada.
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