What You Need to Know
Human Rights Watch has reported that Cameroonian authorities are unlawfully detaining dozens of migrants deported from the United States. Among those deported are asylum seekers and individuals facing persecution in their home countries. The organization condemned these actions as serious violations of international law, noting that Cameroon is not a safe country for deportees.
Africa-Press. Human Rights Watch has revealed that authorities in Cameroon are unlawfully detaining dozens of migrants deported from the United States over the past two months. Among those deported are asylum seekers and individuals facing persecution in their home countries.
The international rights organization described this action as a blatant violation of international law, as the deportations occurred under a secret agreement between Washington and Yaoundé, despite Cameroon not being a safe country for deportees.
The organization reported that Cameroonian authorities arrested 17 individuals from nine African countries upon their arrival in the capital, Yaoundé, without legal grounds. Some deportees had legal protections in the United States that prevented their return to their home countries due to fears of torture or persecution. The organization added that two of them were forced to return to their countries, while 15 remain detained.
Documented Risks and Violations
Cameroon has experienced armed conflicts and widespread violations for years, including torture in prisons and repression of opposition and media. The organization documented that journalists attempting to cover the situation of deportees have also faced arrest and violations. It considered the actions taken as forced returns, a practice prohibited under international law.
The organization called for the immediate release of the detainees and for their protection from forced return, urging their repatriation to the United States, where legal protections have been issued. It also demanded respect for press freedom and accountability for those responsible for the violations, urging Congress and U.S. courts to end deportation agreements with third countries, which have proven to be failures and have led to serious abuses.
Cameroon has faced ongoing armed conflicts and widespread human rights violations, including torture in prisons and suppression of dissent. The country has been criticized for its treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, particularly in light of its unstable political climate and the risks posed to individuals returned to its territory. The situation has drawn international attention, prompting calls for accountability and reform.
