CSOs seek UN action over U.S. migrant deportations
By Diana Omueza
The Human Rights Monitors, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), is calling for the United Nations’ intervention in response to mass deportations of migrants by the United States.
Mr Armsfree Ajanaku, Convener of the coalition, made the appeal during a news conference, on Thursday in Abuja.
The event was themed “Violation of Immigrants’ Rights and the Quest for Justice Through African Reparations.”
Ajanaku said the coalition had monitored various human rights violations related to the arbitrary deportations of immigrants from the U.S. since January 20.
Many of those affected, he said, were Africans and people of African descent.
“While we are not saying a country cannot run its affairs as it deems fit, our concern is with actions that undermine rights, dignity, and civilised norms,” he said.
He described scenes of migrant homes being raided, mass arrests, and families torn apart, with parents detained and children left traumatised.
“These actions, from a country that prides itself on democracy and human rights, clearly violate the rights of asylum seekers and migrants,” Ajanaku said.
He alleged that the United States was denying refuge to those fleeing war zones and political persecution, in contravention of multiple international human rights agreements.
The coalition raised these concerns at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Switzerland in April.
Ajanaku cited breaches of international laws, including: Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: protection against arbitrary arrest and exile.
“Article 14: the right to seek asylum; Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: protection from inhumane treatment.
“As well as violations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families, and the 1951 Refugee Convention.
“Refugees and immigrants seeking asylum are lawful under both U.S. and international law. Under no circumstance should they be criminalised for entering without visas,” he said.
Ajanaku urged the UN to take legal steps to address the plight of migrants facing forced and arbitrary deportation and to engage with affected persons through CSOs and refugee-focused agencies.
He also called on African leaders to strengthen institutions and infrastructure that could improve the welfare and safety of their citizens, both at home and abroad.
He said with effective systems in place, the people would be more likely to remain in their countries, eliminate barriers to progress, and benefit from good governance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru
Published By
- Senior Editor
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