More than 20 independent experts working with the United Nations have raised concerns about the risks of human rights violations faced by migrants deported from the United States to countries including Libya. According to the experts, the US has signed deportation agreements with over 35 countries since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, including Libya, Burundi, Central Africa, Democratic Congo, and South Sudan.
The experts expressed fears that deportation to third countries could expose migrants to torture, slavery, and human trafficking, warning of the risks of human rights violations if they are transferred to places where adequate protection guarantees are not available. They noted that at least 23,000 people have been deported from the US so far, with an investigation by Forbidden Stories indicating that the number of deportees exceeded 25,000 by the end of August 2026.
Libya is among the countries listed by the UN group as having signed deportation arrangements with the US, amid ongoing international debate about the situation of migrants in Libya and the mechanisms for receiving deportees from other countries. The experts called for guarantees that the rights of deportees are respected and that they are not transferred to countries where they may face risks of torture, exploitation, or other serious violations.
The UN experts emphasized the need for countries to ensure that migrants are not sent to places where they may face serious harm. They also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the deportation process, to prevent potential human rights abuses. The experts' concerns were conveyed through a statement released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to the source, the US has been deporting migrants to various countries under an agreement that allows for the transfer of individuals who do not have a valid visa or claim to remain in the US. However, critics argue that this agreement has led to deportations to countries with questionable human rights records, putting migrants at risk of abuse and exploitation.
The situation of migrants in Libya has been a subject of concern for human rights organizations and governments worldwide. The country has struggled with instability and conflict in recent years, raising fears about the safety and well-being of migrants who may be deported there. The UN experts' warning highlights the need for careful consideration of the risks faced by migrants who are deported to countries with challenging human rights situations.
The US Department of Homeland Security has stated that it is committed to ensuring that deportations are carried out in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. However, human rights groups continue to raise concerns about the impact of deportation policies on vulnerable populations, including migrants who may face serious risks if returned to their home countries or transferred to third countries.
Key points
- The US has signed deportation agreements with over 35 countries, including Libya, since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
- At least 23,000 people have been deported from the US so far, with concerns raised about the risks of human rights violations faced by migrants deported to countries including Libya.
- UN experts have called for guarantees that the rights of deportees are respected and that they are not transferred to countries where they may face risks of torture, exploitation, or other serious violations.
