UNHCR condemns forced returns of Cameroon asylum-seekers from Nigeria

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has learned with great concern of the forced return by Nigeria of 47 Cameroonians, who were handed over to the Cameroonian authorities on 26 January 2018.

Most of the individuals in question had submitted asylum claims. Their forcible return is in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, which constitutes the cornerstone of international refugee law.

The returns were carried out despite UNHCR’s efforts and engagement with the authorities.

UNHCR reminds Nigeria of its obligations under international and Nigerian law, and urges the Nigerian Government to refrain from forcible returns of Cameroonian asylum-seekers back to their country of origin.

We also urge the Government of Cameroon to ensure that the group is treated in accordance with human rights law and standards.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

• In Geneva, Aikaterini Kitidi, [email protected], +41 79 580 8334
• In Geneva, Babar Baloch, [email protected], +41 79 513 9549
• In Dakar, Romain Desclous, [email protected], +221 786 396 385