UN experts: US deportations to third countries trigger rights violations
UN independent experts have warned that US deportations of migrants to over 35 third countries are triggering a cascade of human rights violations, including torture, slavery, and trafficking. These deportations often send migrants to countries with no ties to them and lacking asylum infrastructure, heightening risks for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and LGBT persons.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-09-28
UN independent experts warned on Monday that US deportations of thousands of migrants to more than 35 third countries are causing a cascade of human rights abuses, including torture, slavery, and trafficking.
Since January 2025, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has signed agreements with developing countries such as Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, and South Sudan to accept migrants who cannot legally be returned to their home countries.
At least 23,000 third-country nationals have been deported so far, with investigations suggesting the number exceeded 25,000 by the end of August. The migrants are often sent to countries where they have no ties, many of which lack asylum processing infrastructure, protective facilities, or adequate health services.
The UN experts highlighted that these deportations breach the principle of non-refoulement and increase risks of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or human rights advocacy.
Groups at greatest risk include children, women, persons with disabilities, victims of trafficking, LGBT persons, human rights defenders, and stateless persons. The experts have notified the US and involved governments of these concerns.