Suhayra Aden was born in New Zealand but she moved with her family to Australia when she was 6 years old and her family became dual New Zealand and Australian citizens. When she decided to join ISIL in Syria in 2014, she travelled on an Australian passport. Then Australia cancelled her citizenship so she cannot return to Australia.
Since 2014, she has had 3 children. One of them died from pneumonia. Recently, she escaped from Syria to Turkey with her two small children and they spent time in a refugee camp on the border of Turkey. Turkey did not want them, and Australia refused to allow her back to Australia. Although she has dual New Zealand Australian citizenship, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern believes she is Australia’s responsibility because she grew up there and became interested in ISIL when she was living in Australia. Ms Ardern expressed very strong views to the Australian government and people about sending us their problems.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister has allowed Suhayra to come to New Zealand because of concern for her young children, aged 2 and 5 years old. This has been a ‘managed return’. It is not clear exactly what this means, and the details have not been made public. We do not know where Suhayra will live but she will be monitored in some way to make sure that New Zealand people are safe from any terrorist activity, but she will also be supported so that she and her children can start a new life.
Vocabulary
dual (adj): both eg. some small planes have dual controls for learner pilots and their teachers. (duo- two)
pneumonia (n): a disease of the lungs making it difficult to breathe (note that p is silent so the first syllable is like ‘new’.
monitor (v and n): check, supervise
express views: say your opinion
ISIL: a political organisation also known as ISIS
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