US Deports West Africans to Ghana, Ignoring Their Rights: Lawyer's Claim

West Africans Deported by US Were Denied Their Rights, Says Lawyer Eleven west Africans deported by the US to Ghana were denied their rights, according to a lawyer who represented them in court. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the lawyer for the 11 men, told a hearing that they had been returned to their home countries despite many fearing for their safety. The men had been held in dire conditions in a military camp after being deported from the US. The US has sent migrants to third countries as part of its efforts to ramp up expulsions under President Donald Trump's administration. Ghana's president, John Mahama, said last week that his country had accepted 14 west African nationals deported by the US and was ready to accept 40 more. However, officials initially said all 14 had been sent on to their home countries. Barker-Vormawor argued in court that this was not the case, and that his clients were being held against their will. "We have evidence that they were returned to Ghana despite knowing that they would face persecution or torture," Barker-Vormawor said. The US Department of Homeland Security did not comment on the allegations. However, a spokesperson for the agency said that it was committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that migrants are treated fairly. Ghana's government has defended its decision to accept deportees from the US. "We have a responsibility to protect our citizens," said a spokesperson for the Ghanaian government. The case highlights concerns about the treatment of migrants in third countries, where they may face persecution or torture. Critics argue that the US is shifting its responsibilities onto other nations, rather than addressing the root causes of migration. The 11 men are currently being held in a military camp in Ghana. Their lawyer has filed a legal case seeking their release. In related news, the US has faced criticism for its deportation policies under President Trump's administration. Human rights groups have accused the government of violating international law and putting migrants at risk. As the debate over immigration continues to rage, the fate of the 11 west Africans remains uncertain. Their lawyer is pushing for their release, but the outcome is far from clear. Background: The US has been deporting migrants to third countries as part of its efforts to ramp up expulsions under President Trump's administration. Ghana's president, John Mahama, said last week that his country had accepted 14 west African nationals deported by the US and was ready to accept 40 more. Additional perspectives: The US Department of Homeland Security has defended its deportation policies, saying they are committed to upholding human rights. Human rights groups have accused the government of violating international law and putting migrants at risk. Ghana's government has defended its decision to accept deportees from the US, citing a responsibility to protect its citizens. Current status: The 11 men are currently being held in a military camp in Ghana. Their lawyer has filed a legal case seeking their release. Next developments: The outcome of the court case is uncertain, but it is likely to have significant implications for the treatment of migrants in third countries. *Reporting by Theguardian.*