KIGALI, RWANDA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has warned that European Union plans to establish so-called migrant “return hubs” in countries including Rwanda and Uganda could expose deported migrants and asylum seekers to serious human-rights violations.
The warning came ahead of a September 4 meeting involving Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, where governments were expected to discuss progress on plans to deport people to facilities outside Europe, potentially in countries where they have never lived.
Amnesty said such arrangements could create risks of arbitrary detention, torture or ill-treatment, forced onward returns and limited access to due process and effective remedies.
The organization is particularly concerned about reports that negotiations are advancing with Rwanda and Uganda. Amnesty said both countries have documented human-rights concerns and argued that transferring migration responsibilities to countries in the Global South could shift significant protection burdens away from European states.
Amnesty also highlighted reports of a possible facility in Uganda that could become operational in 2027 and accommodate up to 10,000 people.
The organization said any migration arrangements must comply with international human-rights and refugee-protection standards, including safeguards against refoulement and arbitrary detention.
Amnesty has urged European governments to abandon policies that outsource detention and deportation and instead develop migration systems that protect the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants.
The debate comes as European governments continue exploring new approaches to migration management, making the issue an increasingly important focus for international human-rights organizations.
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Disclaimer:
This article is based on Amnesty International’s published assessment and publicly available information. The concerns and allegations described are attributed to the cited organization. HRNW presents the report for public-interest journalism and human-rights awareness.
