On January 21st, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a new mission to transfer ISIS-associated detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. The move caused a great deal of concern among the international community and human rights advocates who expressed alarm over the US coordinating the mass illegal rendition and refoulement of detainees of many nationalities to Iraq, without assessing the risks of serious human rights violations including inhumane detention conditions, torture, unfair trials and the death penalty.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission has agreed to hear a series of complaints made by Canadian children and men who have been arbitrarily detained in Northeast Syria for between 6 and 8 years under conditions the United Nations has called akin to torture.

Jack’s interview, broadcasted Saturday, November 30th, marked the first time he had appeared on camera or been allowed to speak to the media since 2019.

In north-east Syria, an estimated 56,000 people face mass human rights violations and inhumane conditions in detention.

Following the Supreme Court of Canada’s mid-November refusal to hear the appeal of four Canadian men arbitrarily detained for up to 7 years under dire conditions in Northeast Syria, their families and legal team are taking the rare step of seeking a reconsideration and full hearing before the country’s highest court.

In a hugely disappointing decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear the critical case of four men who have been arbitrarily detained without charge under conditions akin to torture – one for almost seven years – in northeast Syria. Canada’s refusal to assist them has perpetuated their exile.

Syria: Canadian delegation meets Jack Letts and other detainees held in camps.

Letts' mother describes 'massive relief' on learning her son is still alive as delegation calls for immediate repatriations from camps and prisons

Group says it hopes government will turn it into a repatriation delegation.

Supporters help to spread the word about an injustice that needs to be remedied as soon as possible.

In a ruling on January 20, 2023, Federal Court Justice Henry Brown effectively directed Ottawa to request repatriation of the men as soon as reasonably possible and provide them with passports or emergency travel documents.

Letter from UN to Canadian Government states:
“There is allegedly no legal basis, no judicial authorisation, review, control, or oversight of Jack Letts' detention which entirely lacks in predictability and due process of law.”