Eswatini Confirms Arrival of 10 More People as Part of US Deportation Deal
Mbabane, Eswatini - Ten people deported by the United States have arrived in Eswatini, marking the second group of third-country nationals sent to the southern African kingdom under a deal between the two countries. The arrival has sparked concerns among human rights organizations and lawyers who claim it is a violation of international law.
According to an official statement posted on social media before their arrival on Monday, the individuals will be kept in a secured area separate from the public while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin. The government said it would work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the returns.
"We understand that this is a sensitive issue, and we want to assure our citizens that we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being," said a spokesperson for the Eswatini government. "We will continue to work closely with international partners to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary support."
The arrival of the 10 deportees comes just weeks after five men were sent back from the US, sparking concerns among human rights groups about the treatment of migrants and refugees in Eswatini.
"This is a clear violation of their human rights," said Thabo Makoko, director of the Eswatini-based non-governmental organization, Human Rights Watch. "These individuals have been deported without due process or consideration for their safety."
The US Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the specific reasons for the deportations but has stated that it is committed to upholding international law and protecting human rights.
Eswatini's decision to accept third-country nationals from the US has raised questions about its commitment to upholding international law. The country has a history of accepting refugees and asylum seekers, but critics argue that this deal may compromise its reputation as a safe haven for those fleeing persecution.
"This is a complex issue with multiple stakeholders involved," said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Eswatini's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. "We are working closely with international partners to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary support and protection."
The IOM has confirmed its involvement in facilitating the returns but declined to comment further on the specifics.
As the situation unfolds, human rights organizations and lawyers continue to raise concerns about the treatment of migrants and refugees in Eswatini. The government's decision to accept third-country nationals from the US has sparked a heated debate about the country's commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights.
The arrival of the 10 deportees marks a significant development in this ongoing saga, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
