Arrest warrants have been issued for Australians accused of fighting with Islamic State, sparking fresh calls for women and children stranded in Syria to be brought home.
Women trapped in northern Syria's al-Hawl refugee camp are expected to face charges of travelling to a declared zone and supporting or joining a terrorist group.
But the Australian Federal Police warrants will only be served if the women are repatriated.
"The Australian Federal Police, working with domestic and international partners, has obtained 42 arrest warrants relating to persons of interest to counter-terrorism operations," a spokesman told AAP.
"These arrest warrants relate to both Australian men and women for alleged criminal offences against Australian law."
Save the Children deputy chief executive Mat Tinkler said there was no more excuses to delay bringing women and children home from Syria.
"If offences have been committed, those responsible should be held accountable," he said.
"Without question, the best place for those accused to face the full force of the law is here in Australia where we have a robust justice system."
The Australian women have indicated they will cooperate with police if returned home.
"Children should not suffer for the crimes of their parents, even the children of those who may have committed the most heinous of crimes," Mr Tinkler said.
He said children in the camps were suffering malnutrition, pneumonia, shrapnel wounds and other treatable medical conditions.
"Conditions are deteriorating by the day as the brutal Syrian winter sets in. Infants are freezing to death," Mr Tinkler said.
"Again, we plea with the Australian government to act and repatriate these children, before it's too late."
