Background on the Issue
The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the resumption of deportations by the U.S. to third countries embroiled in conflict, such as South Sudan. This warning comes after the U.S. Supreme Court authorized the administration to continue deporting foreigners to countries other than their own.
UN Experts’ Concerns
A group of 11 UN experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but speaking independently, emphasized that international law is clear: no one should be sent to a place where there’s evidence they may face torture, enforced disappearance, or risk of death.
Recent Deportations to South Sudan
Following the Supreme Court’s authorization, eight deportees from the U.S., who had been at a military base in Djibouti for weeks, arrived in South Sudan on Saturday, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a South Sudanese government official.
- Only one of the deportees is a national of South Sudan.
- The group includes one Mexican, two Cubans, two Burmese nationals, a Vietnamese, and a Laotian.
- U.S. authorities claim all eight men were convicted of violent crimes and their home countries did not agree to receive them.
UN Experts’ Recommendations
The experts stressed that to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, forced disappearances, and threats to life, individuals must have the opportunity to express objections to deportation within a legally-framed process.
- The U.S. should refrain from any further deportations to third countries.
- Ensure effective access to legal assistance for those at risk of deportation.
- Ensure that deportation procedures are subject to independent judicial review.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue? The UN has raised concerns about the U.S. deporting migrants to war-torn countries like South Sudan, violating international law that prohibits sending individuals to places where they may face torture or risk of death.
- Who are the UN experts? These are 11 independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report, and advise on human rights issues globally.
- Which countries are involved in this issue? The U.S. is deporting migrants to South Sudan, a country affected by ongoing conflict.
- What are the UN experts’ recommendations? They urge the U.S. to halt deportations to third countries, ensure access to legal assistance for those at risk, and subject deportation procedures to independent judicial review.
