The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has raised concerns over reports that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government may be in discussions to receive deportees from the United States, particularly from African and Asian countries. This publication last week, based on a CBS report, made known the Irfaan Ali government may be in discussion with the Donald Trump administration in striking a deportation agreement, as some other Central and South American countries did.
The GHRA warns that Guyana should not be misled or enticed into any agreement involving the forced relocation of migrants, especially considering the controversial and inhumane treatment of deportees in the U.S.
The GHRA made known that while the U.S has the right to change its migration policies, these actions must adhere to legal processes and standards. The human rights organisation y argues that the current deportation efforts, largely targeting people of colour with “Temporary Protected Status” (TPS), are discriminatory and violate basic human rights. Many of these deportees, according to the GHRA, are legally in the U.S and have been granted TPS while their asylum applications are being processed—some of which take years.
“These individuals are being demonised as criminals without due process,” said the GHRA, adding that the current treatment of deportees runs counter to international refugee law, which was designed to protect those fleeing political persecution, not individuals facing arbitrary and unjust removal from a country where they’ve lived for years.
The GHRA further warns that any potential involvement by Guyana in this forced relocation crisis should be approached with extreme caution. The organization stresses that the government’s involvement must only be to ensure the humane treatment of Guyanese nationals, ensuring compliance with both regional and international norms.
The GHRA laid out several conditions that should guide any discussions or agreements regarding the deportation process:
- Respect for US Law: The rights of US citizens, particularly those born in the US, must be upheld, and any actions taken must comply with US constitutional law.
- Adherence to Guyanese Immigration Policies: Guyana’s immigration requirements for any in-transit persons must be respected.
- Voluntary Relocation: No person should be brought to Guyana against their will, except for those in transit to their home countries.
- Adequate Resources: Sufficient financial and logistical support must be provided to cover the costs of onward travel and any time spent by deportees in Guyana.
- Prevention of Another ‘Jonestown’: Guyana must ensure that any agreement avoids creating chaotic or dangerous situations similar to the Jonestown scenario of the 1970s.
- Repatriation Agreements: There should be written assurances that the deportee’s country of origin will accept them back once in transit through Guyana.
- Protection Against Inhumane Treatment: Guyana must ensure that airlines adhere to international standards and that no deportee faces cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.
The GHRA concluded by urging the Guyanese government to exercise extreme caution and demand assurances that any involvement with the U.S deportation crisis does not compromise the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals. The association also voiced its concern over the visit of .US Marshals to Guyana, questioning whether there are underlying agreements that could involve Guyanese complicity in the forced relocation of non-Guyanese citizens.
Guyana must not become complicit in this inhumane and lawless deportation campaign, the GHRA stated, calling for a full examination of any potential agreements and their alignment with both Guyanese and international law.
