The Kyrgyz Republic's repatriation of 22 women and children from the al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria is the second such return of its nationals this year and the sixth repatriation overall since February 2023. We applaud the Kyrgyz Republic for its continued, exemplary action on repatriations, the only durable solution to the humanitarian and security challenges in northeast Syria.

In total, the Kyrgyz Republic has repatriated 454 of its nationals since early 2023, all in U.S. assisted operations, including 121 nationals this year, a substantial portion of the nearly 228 non-Syrian or Iraqi third country nationals returned to their countries of origin so far in 2024. In doing so, the Kyrgyz Republic continues to serve as a leader on repatriation from northeast Syria within the region and worldwide. We will continue supporting repatriations to the Kyrgyz Republic and the rehabilitation and reintegration of its citizens once they return home.

Approximately 27,000 individuals from more than 60 countries outside Syria remain in the al-Hol and Roj camps, most of whom are children under the age of 12 who deserve a chance at life outside of the dire conditions of these camps.

We are grateful to our international and local partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Government of Kuwait, for their support in returning displaced persons from al-Hol and Roj to their countries of origin. The United States remains ready to assist other countries in their efforts to repatriate their nationals.