KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two Jamaican citizens who were deported to Eswatini by the United States have declined offers to repatriate to Jamaica, the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
The government is still attempting to contact the third Jamaican citizen, according to officials.
The men, whose identities have not been disclosed, were informed of the consular assistance available to them and the government’s readiness to facilitate their return, but both maintained they did not wish to return to Jamaica, the Foreign Ministry. This situation follows diplomatic inquiries by the Jamaican government to U. S.
Officials in Washington and formal representations made to Eswatini’s government through Jamaica’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria, South Africa.
The trend of third — country deportations by the U. S. Government, which has seen individuals sent to countries like Eswatini, has been widely criticized by lawyers and human rights groups.
Eswatini, a small kingdom bordering South Africa, has been accused of clamping down on pro — democracy movements. Orville Etoria, the first Jamaican national sent to Eswatini under the program, was repatriated to his country last September. His lawyers accused the U.
S. Of deporting him unlawfully and said he and others were repeatedly denied visits by a lawyer.
The Jamaican government’s efforts to repatriate the citizens have included consular support from the Jamaican Consulate in Miami.
The case has sparked discussions on the efficacy and ethical implications of third — country deportations, particularly in light of concerns about the human rights situation in Eswatini.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: News – tralac trade law centre
