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<p>Around 900 people have travelled from the UK to engage with the conflict in Syria
and Iraq, against the advice of the Foreign Office. Of these, approximately 20% have
been killed in the conflict and around 40% have returned to the UK.</p><p> </p><p>The
Governments priority is the safety and security of the people who live here. All of
those who have returned, have been investigated and the majority have been assessed
to pose no, or a low security risk. Around 40 individuals have been convicted on their
return from Syria/Iraq, either because of offences committed overseas or for other
activity linked to their involvement in terrorism. Individuals can be convicted in
UK courts of offences committed overseas (including preparation of terrorism, encouragement
of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation). Furthermore, through the
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, we have extended this to new offences
including: inviting or recklessly expressing support for a proscribed organisation
and for sharing their propaganda.</p><p> </p><p>The UK continues to work with international
partners, as well as partners in the region in seeking to secure the prosecution of
individuals who have committed crimes in the name of Daesh. Any such justice mechanism
must respect human rights and the rule of law.</p>
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