US Deportations to African Third Countries Violate Human Rights, HRW Claims

Fri Oct 09 2026 00:23:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Human Rights Watch accuses the U.S. of illegally sending migrants to African nations where they face arbitrary detention and persecution.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report alleging that the United States has deported more than 500 migrants to African third‑country destinations where they are subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, and forced returns to hostile home nations. The analysis claims these removals breach the international principle of non‑refoulement and serve as a political scare tactic. U.S. officials defend the policy as a public‑safety tool, while HRW’s statements highlight violations such as lack of access to food, water and medicine aboard the transport flights. The report underscores the urgency for transparent, lawful immigration practices and protection of human rights for vulnerable migrants.

US Deportations to African Third Countries Violate Human Rights, HRW Claims

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a scathing report accusing the U.S. government of illegally deporting migrants to African states where they face arbitrary detention, torture and forced return to hostile home countries.

Scale of the Problem

The report, published on 8 October 2026, cites more than 500 deportations since President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. These removals, the study argues, contravene the principle of non‑refoulement, which bans sending people to countries where they might be persecuted.

U.S. Policy and Counter‑Narratives

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the practice as an essential public‑safety tool that removes “the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens” from the streets. A DHS spokesperson said it relies on diplomatic assurances that individuals will be safe once they arrive, noting that their responsibility ends once the person is no longer in ICE custody.

White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis set further context, explaining that migrants are sent to third countries when their home nations refuse them or when court orders prevent direct return. She also alleged that those facing deportation are offered “a free flight” and a $3,000 check.

Case Studies: Eswatini, Ghana, South Sudan

HRW’s investigation found that deportees destined for Eswatini, Ghana and South Sudan were arbitrarily detained and faced ill treatment while in custody. In Eswatini, out of 32 deportees, three voluntarily returned to their homes in Yemen, Belize and Laos. Yet the country has also been reported to send detainees to origin states where “the risk of persecution or torture” is legitimate.

Severe Conditions During Transit

Interviews with 24 third‑country nationals in six countries revealed that some were chained for up to 18 hours on the flight, were unaware of their destination, and were denied basic necessities such as medication, food and water.

“The opaque deals that facilitate these transfers, some of which are still secret, are part of a US policy that violates international human rights law.” HRW added.

Human Rights Violations for Vulnerable Groups

At least a dozen LGBTQ+ persons were sent to countries that criminalise same‑sex relations, including those granted refugee protection in the U.S. on the basis of persecution threats tied to their identity. The report also noted that former detainees in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo were forced to return to their homes by November, raising questions about voluntary return.

International Law and Humanitarian Concerns

HRW’s findings highlight a breach of international legal standards, particularly the non‑refoulement principle under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Critics argue that the U.S. policy represents a deliberate strategy to create fear among migrant communities, with potential repercussions for global migration patterns.

HRW’s interim U.S. programme director, Michael Garcia Bochenek, summed up the stance by saying: “Deporting people to countries where they have never set foot is part of a US policy designed to cause human suffering as a means to deter migration.”

Current Responses

None of the African countries named in the report has publicly commented on the allegations. The U.S. government has maintained that all removals are conducted under legal frameworks and diplomatic safeguards.

By Basillioh Rukanga – 8 October 2026, 16:44 BST (updated 5 hours ago)