Cuban National on Hunger Strike in Eswatini After Secret US Deportation
Matsapha, Eswatini – A Cuban national, Roberto Mosquera del Peral, is currently engaged in an indefinite hunger strike at Matsapha Correctional Centre, protesting his prolonged detention following a controversial deportation from the United States. The case highlights growing concerns over secretive international transfer agreements and the potential for human rights violations.
The hunger strike, which began on October 15th, has led to a deterioration in Mosquera del Peral’s health, raising urgent questions about the conditions of his confinement and the legal basis for his detention. Amnesty International has condemned the situation, calling for immediate action from both Eswatini and the United States.
Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s hunger strike is a stark warning about the human cost of secret transfer arrangements and unlawful detention without due process.
Tigere Chagutah, Regional Director, East and Southern Africa
According to Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, “The authorities in Eswatini must urgently facilitate a medical assessment for Roberto by a qualified health professional, ensuring healthcare in compliance with medical ethics. They must also guarantee confidential access to legal counsel and family members for all detainees, and fully disclose the legal justification for these detentions.” Chagutah further emphasized the shared responsibility of both Eswatini and the US, stating that transparency regarding the terms of their agreement is paramount.
The principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international human rights law, is at the heart of this case. This principle prohibits states from transferring individuals to countries where they face a real risk of persecution or serious human rights abuses. Amnesty International argues that the deportation of Mosquera del Peral and 13 other men to Eswatini, a country to which none of them have any discernible ties, potentially violates this fundamental principle.
The Shadowy Deportation Agreement and Concerns Over Due Process
Mosquera del Peral is one of fourteen men deported to Eswatini under a clandestine arrangement between the US and Eswatini governments. Details of this agreement remain largely undisclosed, fueling concerns about its legality and ethical implications. Family members and legal representatives report that the men are being held without charge, and repeated attempts to secure confidential access to their clients have been consistently denied by Eswatini authorities.
This lack of transparency and due process raises serious questions about the motivations behind the deportations. What legal framework justified transferring these individuals to a country where they have no connections or support networks? And what safeguards were in place to ensure their fundamental rights would be protected?
Did You Know?:
The situation also prompts a broader discussion about the increasing trend of states outsourcing their immigration enforcement responsibilities. While governments may seek to streamline deportation processes, it is crucial that these efforts do not come at the expense of fundamental human rights. What responsibility does a nation have to ensure the well-being of individuals it deports, even after they have left its borders?
Further complicating the matter is the potential for political motivations. Some observers suggest that the US may be seeking to leverage its influence with Eswatini through these transfers, potentially in exchange for political or economic concessions. Human Rights Watch provides detailed reporting on the political climate in Eswatini.
Pro Tip:
The US State Department has not yet issued a comprehensive statement addressing the specific concerns raised by Amnesty International and other human rights groups. However, a spokesperson indicated that the US government is “aware of the situation” and is “monitoring developments closely.” The US State Department website offers further information on US foreign policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary concern regarding Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s deportation?
The main concern is the potential violation of international human rights law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, by deporting him to Eswatini where he faces unlawful detention and a lack of due process.
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What is the principle of non-refoulement?
Non-refoulement is a fundamental principle of international law that prohibits states from transferring individuals to countries where they would face a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations.
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Why are the terms of the US-Eswatini deportation agreement concerning?
The agreement is secretive, lacking transparency, and raises questions about the legal justification for transferring individuals with no ties to Eswatini, potentially violating their fundamental rights.
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What is Amnesty International calling for in this case?
Amnesty International is urging the Eswatini authorities to provide Roberto Mosquera del Peral with a medical assessment, legal access, and to disclose the legal basis for his detention. They also call for transparency from both Eswatini and the US regarding the deportation agreement.
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What is the current status of Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s health?
Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s health is reportedly deteriorating as a result of his ongoing hunger strike, which began on October 15th.
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What role does due process play in this situation?
Due process, including the right to legal representation and a fair hearing, is essential to ensure that individuals are not unlawfully detained and that their rights are protected. The men deported to Eswatini have been denied these fundamental rights.
The unfolding situation in Eswatini serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of opaque immigration policies and the importance of upholding international human rights standards. The world is watching to see how both Eswatini and the United States will respond to this growing crisis.
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