About us

In March 2019, seven Swedish orphaned siblings, aged one to eight, were trapped in a dire situation in al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. Repatriate The Children (RTC) was founded in response to the urgent need identified by the children's grandfather and co-founder of the NGO, Patricio Galvéz, who sought to rescue his grandchildren in the spring of 2019. At that time, no organization like Repatriate The Children existed. The authorities and organizations he contacted were unable to assist. None had the experience, expertise, or network of contacts that Repatriate The Children has since developed.

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Repatriate The Children’s function is to support and advise relatives of children in northeast Syria, and to provide expertise, policy advice, and practical guidance to politicians and decision-makers, authorities, non-profit organizations, and the media. The organization contributes to the coordination of responsible repatriation processes and to the development of frameworks for the reception of returnees, as well as their reintegration and rehabilitation, in line with legal obligations and child rights principles.
 

Repatriate The Children condemns IS ideology, its acts, and all forms of violent extremism. Children must be protected from indoctrination and radicalization into violent extremist movements and environments. Every child has the right to life, survival, and development.
 

States must take all appropriate measures to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination and that every child receives the protection and care necessary for their well-being. Children who have been subjected to neglect, abuse, or armed conflict are entitled to rehabilitation. The fundamental principle is that all children are of equal value and possess the same rights. Children can never be held responsible for their parents’ actions.

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Learn more about Patricio Galvéz struggle to save his grandchildren here.