Honduran rights body demands probe into deportee sent to Central African Republic

Honduras' National Human Rights Commissioner (Conadeh) is demanding immediate government action to verify the well-being of Brayan Sánchez, a Honduran citizen deported to the Central African Republic in July. Conadeh stressed the urgency of establishing a consular assistance protocol to confirm Sánchez's physical condition and address his basic needs.

Sánchez, along with several Cubans and an Ecuadorian, was deported to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, without prior notice. He claims to fear for his life and stated that he is only receiving attention from individuals identifying as UN officials. Conadeh highlighted the necessity of issuing Sánchez a passport if he lacks documentation, enabling international travel, especially since he is in a country that reportedly "does not meet the basic conditions for a dignified life."

Elsy Reyes, coordinator of Conadeh's Human Mobility Defense, asserted that transferring an individual to a third country without their consent and without their understanding of the local language constitutes a violation of due process. Conadeh also recommended interviewing Sánchez to understand his preferred alternatives, respecting his autonomy. The organization suggested reviewing the legal process followed in the United States for his deportation and exploring potential international agreements with other countries to ensure Sánchez's protection, access to work, and dignified living conditions if a return to the U.S. is not feasible.

The Honduran Foreign Ministry stated it is monitoring Sánchez's case and would facilitate his "voluntary return" to Honduras. However, Sánchez maintains he cannot return due to death threats from criminals. This situation underscores a trend of increasing deportations by the U.S. administration to African nations, which have agreements to accept migrants.