U.S. Deports Afghan Refugees to Conflict-Ridden Central African Republic

The U.S. government has deported 12 Afghan refugees to the Central African Republic. This move is part of a broader policy aimed at relocating migrants to third countries.

Deportation of 12 Afghan Refugees to the Central African Republic

On Saturday, the U.S. government deported 12 Afghan refugees along with eight Iranian nationals to the war-torn Central African Republic. This flight represents a continuation of the Trump administration’s expansive immigration policy, which focuses on relocating migrants to third countries.

Among the Afghan refugees is an individual who was a beneficiary of court protection in the United States due to his brothers’ collaboration with American forces in Afghanistan. He has expressed concern for the safety of his family, who face threats because of this cooperation. One of his brothers, having served in the Afghan army, currently resides in the U.S., while another brother was a pilot trained in the U.S. but unfortunately lost his life.

Human rights organizations, including Afghan Evac and First Human Rights, have confirmed that this individual has been deported to the Central African Republic, a nation grappling with severe insecurity and armed conflict. The U.S. State Department has advised its citizens against travel to this region.

U.S. Immigration Policies and Human Rights Concerns

Advocates for migrant rights and immigration attorneys believe that such agreements can serve as a tool for circumventing legal protections for refugees. The deportation of Afghan refugees to the Central African Republic marks the third similar flight of this year.

In recent months, the U.S. has relocated thousands of migrants to third countries, many of whom have no prior connections to these regions. This practice has raised further concerns among human rights advocates, who are calling for a closer examination of these policies.