Seven migrants deported from the US have arrived in Rwanda, the first of 250 expected to be taken in by the African state under a deal reached with President Donald Trump's administration.
The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
She gave no details about their nationalities, only explaining that four of them would remain in Rwanda, with three opting to return to their home countries.
Rights groups have warned that such deportations could breach international law if people are sent to countries where they risk torture or other abuses.
Trump has focused on a sweeping mass deportation scheme to remove undocumented migrants from the US since starting his second term in January.
Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government, Ms. Makolo told Rwanda's pro-government New Times news site.
Rwanda has previously accepted refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya. The government asserts that it can provide a safe haven amidst international criticism of its human rights record. The moves follow Rwanda's earlier plans to resettle asylum seekers from the UK and many other nations.
This initial deportation sparks a continuing discussion about the implications for human rights and international obligations to protect vulnerable populations.
