UN Urges Equatorial Guinea Not to Deport US Asylum Seekers Back to Home Countries

The United Nations has urged Equatorial Guinea not to deport asylum seekers transferred from the United States back to their countries of origin, warning that some individuals could face persecution, imprisonment, or death if returned.

UN officials said the asylum seekers involved may be at serious risk if forcibly repatriated, emphasizing that international law prohibits returning people to countries where they may face threats to their lives or freedom.

UN Raises Concerns Over Forced Returns

The appeal was made by UN refugee and human rights officials after reports emerged that some migrants and asylum seekers processed through US immigration channels could be transferred through Equatorial Guinea or face eventual deportation to their home nations.

A UN spokesperson said authorities must respect the principle of “non-refoulement,” a cornerstone of international refugee law that bars governments from returning asylum seekers to places where they could face torture, persecution, or other serious harm.

“Their life would be in danger,” UN officials warned in statements addressing the situation.

Growing International Attention

The case has drawn international attention amid broader debates surrounding immigration enforcement and asylum procedures linked to policies introduced under the administration of Donald Trump.

Human rights groups have also voiced concerns over the handling of asylum seekers transferred between countries during immigration processing. Advocacy organizations argue that deportation agreements involving third countries can expose vulnerable migrants to legal uncertainty and unsafe conditions.

Equatorial Guinea Yet to Publicly Respond

Officials in Equatorial Guinea have not publicly detailed whether any formal agreement exists regarding the handling or deportation of asylum seekers connected to US immigration cases.

The government has also not publicly responded to the UN’s latest appeal.

International Refugee Protections

Under international conventions, countries that receive asylum seekers are expected to assess claims individually and ensure protections for people fleeing conflict, political persecution, or violence.

The UN has called on all governments involved to ensure due process and uphold international human rights obligations before carrying out any deportations.

Further details about the number of asylum seekers affected and their nationalities have not been officially released.