Over 100 migrants, including Afghans, are marooned in Panama after being deported from the United States, raising serious human rights concerns. Since February, the US has sent 299 migrants to Panama, relying on this Central American country as a temporary stopover, yet many now find themselves in desperate circumstances.
While 192 deported migrants have returned home, 107 remain in shelters near Panama City, choosing not to repatriate. Afghan deportees lament the absence of information regarding their fate and recount harsh conditions during their detention in the US. For instance, one Afghan said, “We weren’t allowed to rest while in custody,” revealing the mental and physical toll of their experience.
Eritrean migrants share similar fears, with one stating, “We thought we were just being moved to another facility,” highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding their deportations. Human rights advocates, alarmed by these deportations, argue that many migrants were forcibly removed against their will, marking a breach of fundamental rights.
Raphael Rodriguez, president of the Association of Naturalized Residents of Panama, remarked, “there are indeed violations of human rights in evictions,” spotlighting the complex issues at play. Although Panama has granted 30-day humanitarian visas that can be extended, support from the government is minimal, leaving many to fend for themselves in a foreign land.
Stranded migrants like an Eritrean father express their despair, saying, “I don’t know what I can do,” as economic hardships clamp down on their options. Advocacy groups and legal experts are now insisting on enhanced surveillance of the deportation processes, urging international organisations to intervene in this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Over 100 deported migrants, primarily Afghans, are stranded in Panama, raising human rights concerns. Many detainees report severe mistreatment in US custody without clear information on their deportation. Human rights advocates are calling attention to the lack of informed consent and the need for increased oversight over the deportation process. While the Panamanian government has issued tentatively supportive humanitarian visas, the migrants face economic hardships without substantial assistance.
The plight of over 100 stranded migrants in Panama, particularly the Afghans and Eritreans, exposes critical human rights issues associated with US deportation practices. Their testimonies and lack of support underline the urgency for international oversight and assistance, as many await uncertain futures amid dire living conditions.
Original Source: amu.tv
