Amnesty International's first response after the deportation of migrants from the United States to Eswatini

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Amnesty International criticized the United States for deporting a new batch of migrants to Eswatini as part of its policy of deporting them to “third countries,” describing the move as “illegal” and a violation of international law and human rights principles, especially given concerns about the human rights situation in the southern African nation.

The criticism came after 11 migrants arrived in Eswatini, the fourth group the country has received under an agreement with Washington, as part of the US administration’s immigration policy to deport people who cannot be returned to their countries of origin.

Concerns about human rights violations

Amnesty International stressed that deporting people to a country with which they have no connection, and without sufficient legal guarantees, raises serious concerns about their safety and access to legal protection, noting that some deportees may face the risk of detention or forced return to countries where they may be persecuted.

The organization added that Eswatini faces frequent criticism regarding its human rights record, which makes the transfer of migrants to it objectionable to international human rights organizations.

Controversial agreement between Washington and Eswatini

According to authorities in Eswatini, the country is receiving deportees under an agreement with the United States, under which it received financial support in exchange for temporarily hosting the migrants until solutions are found to return them to their countries of origin or transfer them to other destinations.

The government affirms its commitment to protecting their rights in accordance with local laws and international obligations, but the agreement continues to generate widespread controversy among human rights organizations.

Calls to halt deportation policy

Amnesty International called on the US administration to halt deportations to third countries, respect due process, and ensure that no one is transferred to a place where they may be at risk of having their fundamental rights violated.

It also called on the international community to monitor the situation of the deportees in Eswatini, and to ensure that they receive the necessary legal and humanitarian assistance, in accordance with international agreements on the protection of refugees and migrants.

Last year, the United States began implementing a policy of deporting some migrants to “third countries” when they cannot be returned to their home countries. Eswatini is one of the countries that has agreed to accept these deportees.