Understand
Human Rights Watch claims US deportations of migrants to third-party African countries are unlawful and exploit suffering
Overview
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report stating that US deportations of migrants to third-party African countries where they are not citizens violate international law and are designed to exploit suffering to deter migration. Since 2025, over 500 individuals have been transferred under the policy. HRW alleges that deportees have faced arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and risks of refoulement, while the US Department of Homeland Security maintains that third-country removals are a vital public safety tool and that destination countries provide diplomatic assurances of safety.
Key points
- Human Rights Watch reports that the US has deported over 500 people to third-party African countries since 2025.
- HRW claims the policy violates international human rights law and aims to use suffering to deter migration.
- The report alleges that deportees have faced arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and violations of the principle of nonrefoulement in receiving nations.
- Migrants described abusive conditions on deportation flights, including being chained for hours and denied proper food, water, and medication.
- The US Department of Homeland Security stated that third-country removals are an essential public safety tool used to remove dangerous criminal aliens, receiving diplomatic assurances of safety from destination countries.