EU urged to address victimization of Gambian immigrants

Yayah Sonko, in a statement said the European Union deportation practices meted against Gambian migrants and their families has culminated into series of grave human rights violations while citing the alleged torture of Saikou Kanteh at the hands of German police during last year’s deportation exercise of Gambian immigrants  

“Reports of inhumane treatment and brutality at the hands of German police during the deportation processes such as the alleged torture of Saikou Kanteh, further underscore the systematic failures and violations of human rights by the EU,” he said.

He affirmed that numerous Gambian deportees have arrived back in The Gambia from the European Union member countries without proper assessment and consideration for their well being, adding that incidents involving deportees with mental health issues have resulted in “loss of life” within Gambian communities.

“Tragically, incidents involving Gambian deportees with mental issues have resulted in violence and even loss of life within Gambian communities, highlighting the grave consequence of the European Union’s negligent deportation practices and respect for fundamental rights of immigrants,’’ he said.

He accused the German government of being at the forefront of the deportation efforts with over 1,800 Gambian immigrants forcibly removed from its soil through chartered deportation flights, citing agreements with President Barrow’s government as a justification.

He further added that central to agreements between Barrow’s government and the EU was to provide reception, reintegration and development of communities of origin for returnees which he described as a failure following the unfulfilled sustainable reintegration of Gambian deportees.

“What is even more sad (sic) is the total failure of both the European Union and Gambian government to provide sustainable reintegration of returnees despite the laid down agreements between the two”, he stated.