Mother demands return of sons from Egypt to Ireland

Mandy Kelly, an Irish woman from Dundalk, has been separated from her two sons, Zayn and Kareem, for two and a half years after a trip to Egypt in 2022. Initially, the family traveled to meet the children's paternal relatives, but upon their scheduled return to Ireland, her ex-partner refused to allow them to leave. Since then, Kelly has been engaged in a protracted legal battle to secure the return of her children, with both Irish and Egyptian courts ruling in her favor. Despite these rulings, her ex-partner has not complied, prompting Kelly to call for greater protections for children with dual nationalities. She emphasizes the need for international agreements between Ireland and countries like Egypt and Lebanon, which are not part of the Hague Convention, to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. Kelly has expressed deep concern for her children's well-being, as she has no information about their health or education. The emotional toll of the separation is evident, as she reflects on the last time she saw her sons—Zayn was just three years old and Kareem only 16 months. Kelly hopes that Zayn retains some memory of her, despite the long absence. She has reached out to politicians and diplomats for assistance, urging them to take action to help parents in similar predicaments. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland has acknowledged her case and is providing consular support in her efforts to reunite with her children. Kelly's situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by parents in international custody disputes, particularly when dual nationality is involved.