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Refugees

Human Rights Abuses Against Migrants in Mauritania Exposed by Human Rights Watch

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mauritania has become a key transit point for African migrants seeking passage to Europe, with thousands attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing every year. However, a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals that Mauritanian security forces have carried out "serious human rights violations" against migrants and asylum seekers, including torture, rape, and arbitrary arrest. The report, which documented abuses over a five-year period, has been met with a warning from the NGO that migrant deaths on Spanish maritime routes are at their worst level on record. The European Union and Spain have been accused of outsourcing elements of their migration management to Mauritania, which has exacerbated the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Human Rights Watch has documented 77 cases of human rights abuses against migrants and asylum seekers in Mauritania between 2020 and early 2025, including torture, rape, beatings, and arbitrary arrest.
  • The abuses were committed by Mauritanian security forces, including police, coastguard, navy, gendarmerie, and army, during border and migration operations.
  • The victims were largely migrants and asylum seekers from West and Central Africa seeking to leave or transit the country.
  • Moroccan journalist Houcine Chahdi and Algerian journalist Taher Chaik were among those interviewed for the report, sharing their experiences of abuse at the hands of Mauritanian authorities.
  • Lauren Seibert, an HRW researcher on refugee and migrant rights, stated that Mauritanian authorities have been following an "abusive migration control playbook sadly common across North Africa".
  • The report cites a catalogue of abuse that includes theft, collective expulsions, and sexual harassment, and urges the EU and Spain to prioritize human rights and saving lives in their cooperation with Mauritania.
  • Mauritanias government has rejected the report's findings, while the EU contests that its partnership with Mauritania is "solidly anchored in respect for human rights".

Statistics:

  • 223 people were interviewed for the report, including more than 100 migrants and asylum seekers.
  • The report documented abuses against 77 migrants and asylum seekers, including men, women, and children, as well as one Mauritanian national.
  • A record 46,843 people reached the Canary Islands by boat in 2024, according to Spanish government figures.
  • Arrivals slowed in 2025, with around 11,500 recorded between January and July.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch (2025) - "Mauritania's Abusive Migration Control Playbook"
  • Radio France Internationale - "Mauritanias role as transit hub for migrants raises concerns over human rights abuses"
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com) - "Mauritania's Abusive Migration Control Playbook"

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