United Nations human-rights experts have called for an immediate halt to United States arrangements that deport migrants and asylum seekers to countries other than their own, warning of a cascade of possible rights violations.
The experts said at least 23,000 third-country nationals have been transferred to 29 countries and territories under policies expanded by the Trump administration, while communications have been sent to Washington and governments involved in the arrangements.
They warned that people may be sent to places where they face torture, persecution, trafficking, slavery, arbitrary detention or onward removal, contrary to the international principle of non-refoulement.
Children, women, people with disabilities, trafficking survivors, LGBTQ people, stateless persons and human-rights defenders were identified as groups facing especially acute risks when individual circumstances are not properly assessed.
The experts argued that meaningful notice, legal assistance and a genuine opportunity to challenge removal are essential before any transfer. They urged all participating states to restore fair and effective asylum procedures.
The warning comes as the U.S. administration asks the Supreme Court to intervene after lower courts questioned expedited third-country removals and the procedural protections provided to those facing deportation.
Washington has defended the arrangements as lawful and consistent with domestic immigration rules, but the UN experts stressed that bilateral agreements cannot override states’ obligations under international human-rights and refugee law.
References
- Reuters: UN experts call for halt to U.S. third-country deportations, 28 September 2026
- OHCHR Special Procedures communications concerning U.S. deportations
- Associated Press: U.S. Supreme Court dispute over third-country deportations