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Human rights

Ghana Forcibly Deports Hundreds of Refugees from Burkina Faso

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations refugee agency has criticized Ghana for forcibly deporting hundreds of people fleeing violence in Burkina Faso. The expulsions have raised concerns about the safety of those being returned, with the UN's senior communications officer stating that the actions are not voluntary repatriations. This move is in direct violation of international human rights law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being returned to a country where they would face harm.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 251 people, mostly women and children, were forcibly deported from Ghana to Burkina Faso, according to the UNHCR.
  • The deportations were carried out despite international calls to cease the expulsions, citing concerns about the safety of those being returned.
  • Ghana's security ministry claims the repatriations were carried out in collaboration with Burkinabe immigration authorities and in accordance with international protocols on refugee management.
  • The Burkina Faso foreign affairs ministry expressed concerns about the forced repatriations, stating that the individuals deported were not allowed to take their belongings with them.
  • The UN's senior communications officer emphasized that the principle of non-refoulement is being violated, as the individuals risk facing torture, cruel or degrading treatment, or punishment upon their return.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 251 people were forcibly deported from Ghana to Burkina Faso.
  • The expulsions primarily involved women and children seeking safety in northern Ghana.
  • Over 2 million people have been internally displaced in Burkina Faso due to extremist violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
  • Nearly 40,000 people have fled across the border from Burkina Faso, with 20,000 going to Mali, 11,000 to Niger, and 8,000 to Ghana.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press(Accra, Ghana AP) - No date, no author.
  • UNHCR - No date, no author.
  • The United Nations - No date, no author.
  • Ghana's security ministry - No date, no author.
  • Burkina Faso's foreign affairs ministry - No date, no author.

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